How the US and Israels' with Iran is affecting daily life in Kuwait

Missile and drone attacks linked to a regional confrontation with Iran are reshaping daily life in Kuwait, prompting tighter security measures, restrictions on public activities and renewed memories of past wars.

The Gulf state, located just across the water from Iran and home to US military facilities, has experienced strikes targeting infrastructure and oil installations, even as authorities say air defences intercept the vast majority of incoming threats, says CNN.

Below is an overview of how the conflict is affecting the country.

Why is Kuwait involved in the conflict?

Kuwait has been drawn into the confrontation largely because of its proximity to Iran and the presence of US military bases established after the 1990 Iraqi invasion.

Iran appears to be using pressure on Gulf energy infrastructure and shipping routes to influence global oil prices and international diplomacy.

Retired air traffic controller Khaled Al-Rashid said he believes the strategy is aimed at pushing Gulf countries and Western allies to pressure Washington.

"The Iranian regime believes the Gulf states can influence the US. This is why they are attacking us. This is why they target (oil facilities) to increase oil prices so Europe too can pressure the US," said Al-Rashid, 66.

Sources describing Tehran's thinking say the logic is that "the higher oil prices are, the greater America's economic pain, and the quicker Trump will get out of the war".

Missile attacks are also meant to demonstrate that Gulf economies remain vulnerable to disruption, signalling to neighbouring states that "their investments are precariously vulnerable to Tehran's pernicious whim".

What damage has been reported?

Missile and drone salvos have struck several types of infrastructure, including airports, apartment blocks and oil terminals.

Kuwaiti air defence systems have intercepted most incoming threats.

"Now it's only missiles, and the Kuwait air defense intercepts 98% of them," Al-Rashid said.

Despite the interceptions, casualties have been reported. Four Kuwaiti service members have been killed, along with an 11-year-old girl who died after falling drone shrapnel struck her while she slept.

How has daily life changed?

Security concerns have forced authorities to impose restrictions not seen since the early 1990s.

Fishing has been banned, leaving hundreds of pleasure boats idle at marinas as authorities warn that coastal waters are unsafe due to drones and missiles.

"That was the last time we were banned from fishing," said Khalid Al-Ozaina, a 70-year-old fisherman and fishing club president, referring to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990.

Asked whether the current situation resembles that period, he said, "No they are not," but acknowledged the conditions are still "dangerous" because of the ongoing missile and drone threats.

The attacks have also unsettled many expatriate residents, with some leaving Kuwait after what sources described as "unexpected" and "terrifying" strikes.

What restrictions are in place during Eid?

Authorities have banned concerts and wedding celebrations during the upcoming Eid al-Fitr holiday, citing security risks linked to large public gatherings.

The restrictions come as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan draws to a close, typically a period of busy celebrations and social gatherings across the country.

Are social traditions continuing?

Despite the tensions, many Kuwaitis continue to maintain daily routines and traditions.

Residents still visit the country's historic souk to shop for Eid gifts, while others gather at outdoor cafes, smoke shisha and share traditional Arabic mezza dishes.

For some, preserving these routines is a way of maintaining normality during uncertain times.

"They can fire more missiles but that won't destabilize us," Al-Rashid said.

How does the conflict resonate historically?

For older Kuwaitis, the crisis has revived memories of the Iraqi invasion in 1990, widely described as the "ugliest era in Kuwait's history".

The current situation has been described by some as a "re-awakening of a decades-old nightmare" for those who lived through the first Gulf War.

At the same time, some residents say the situation feels less catastrophic than the events of 1990 because air defence systems intercept most incoming missiles.

Is there concern the conflict could continue?

Some residents fear the conflict could drag on for months.

Al-Ozaina said he believes the war may last "six, even seven months".

Others express frustration at being caught in a geopolitical confrontation that many feel Kuwait has little stake in.

"This is a war Kuwait has no interest in and would not benefit from … Whoever confronts Iran will lose," Al-Rashid said.

For now, Kuwait is balancing tightened security measures with efforts by residents to maintain daily life, reflecting both lingering memories of past conflicts and a determination among many to continue with everyday routines.