Iran Holds Kuwait, Bahrain 'Directly Responsible' for U.S. Strikes

Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned U.S. strikes targeting an Iranian oil tanker and a telecommunications tower on Qeshm Island. The ministry declared these actions a clear violation of international law and a prior ceasefire understanding, according to a statement released Wednesday.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) described the strikes as "defensive," asserting they were carried out after civilian vessels and regional allies Kuwait and Bahrain faced attacks. In retaliation, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced it had targeted an American vessel, the headquarters of the U.S. Fifth Fleet, and a U.S. airbase in the region with missiles and drones.

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These aggressive actions are not only a violation of the ceasefire understanding dated April 8, but also constitute a flagrant breach of the fundamental principle prohibiting the use of force under Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter and international law.

Tehran further criticized what it termed the "colonial use" of regional territory and infrastructure by the United States for operations against Iran. The Iranian Foreign Ministry placed direct responsibility on governments it accused of enabling such actions, specifically naming Kuwait and Bahrain. The ministry stated that allowing any foreign power to utilize land, sea, airspace, or military facilities to support attacks against Iran constitutes a breach of international law and the principle of good neighborliness.

Iran cited UN General Assembly Resolution 3314, arguing that such cooperation could be considered an act of aggression. The ministry emphasized Iran's right to target the "source and origin" of the attacks. While Iranian officials did not release details on casualties or damage, Kuwait's state news agency reported that Iranian drone and missile attacks struck Kuwait International Airport, leading to injuries and flight disruptions.

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The ministry added that allowing any foreign power to use land, sea, airspace, or military facilities to support attacks against Iran constitutes a violation of international law and the principle of good neighbourliness.