How loyalty between Iran and Kuwait gave way to mistrust

The bond of loyalty between Iran and Kuwait has recently been marred by a growing mistrust. This shift in relationship dynamics has been evident in recent statements from Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, who accused Kuwait of being "part of the fire of the wicked." His remarks came as American military bases in Kuwait faced attacks from Iranian missiles, following a year of aggression from Iran against American bases across the Gulf.

The once amicable relationship between Iran and Kuwait has undergone numerous shifts over the years. During the Gulf War, Kuwait welcomed Iranian refugees, offering them shelter, food, and safe passage. The support extended by Iran to Kuwait during this time highlighted the strength of their relationship. However, tensions between the two nations have been high since the start of this year, with Iran launching attacks on American military bases in Kuwait.

Prior to the recent tensions, Iran and Kuwait had maintained diplomatic, commercial, and cultural ties. However, their relationship took a turn for the worse when Kuwait aligned itself with Iraq following President Saddam Hussein's invasion of Iran in 1980. During the Iran-Iraq War, Kuwait provided significant financial and logistical support to Iraq, offering billions of dollars in loans and allowing its port to be used for transporting Iraqi weapons and supplies.

This support fueled concerns among Kuwaiti leaders about the potential dominance of Iran in the Persian Gulf region and the possibility of inciting the Shia population in Kuwait to revolt against the Al-Sabah monarchy.

The Iran-Iraq War, which lasted from 1980 to 1988, further strained the relationship between Iran and Kuwait. Kuwait's support for Iraq during the conflict led to accusations of siding with a rival power, causing resentment and mistrust. During the 1980s war, Iran was blamed for attacking Kuwaiti oil ships and targeting US and French embassies, Kuwait International Airport, and hijacking Kuwait Airways flights.

While direct Iranian state responsibility for these attacks has never been conclusively proven, the suspicions and hostility persisted.

In 1990, the situation took a dramatic turn when Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait, allegedly due to the Gulf state's overproduction of oil. This invasion, after only two years since the end of the Iran-Iraq War, had devastating consequences for Kuwait and the region. Hundreds of thousands of people fled Kuwait, with Iran welcoming thousands of refugees, including foreign nationals and Iraqi nationals, offering them refuge, food, and shelter.

The humanitarian crisis created by the invasion highlighted the depth of Iran's compassion and solidarity with its neighbor.

Despite the challenges and mistrust, Iran and Kuwait have continued to maintain ties, recognizing the importance of their historical and cultural connections. However, the recent escalation of aggression from Iran against American military bases in Kuwait has cast a shadow over their relationship, raising questions about the future of their partnership.