The Interior Ministry said the arrests were carried out by the State Security Agency, which “apprehended 24 citizens, one of whom had his citizenship revoked,” and seized funds linked to illicit activities. It described the case as an organized effort to collect money under religious pretexts for transfer abroad.

Officials said the operation had “thwarted a plot targeting the undermining of the homeland’s security and the financing of terrorist entities and organizations,” without naming specific groups or countries involved.

The Kuwait Interior Ministry said the funds were gathered in coordination with external actors, indicating cross-border links in the alleged network.In a subsequent move, the Kuwait Foreign Ministry placed the suspects on the country’s domestic counterterrorism designation list, freezing their assets and imposing travel restrictions.

A security source confirmed that five former members of Kuwait’s parliament were among those detained, though their identities were not disclosed in the official statement.The arrests come amid increased security vigilance in the Gulf following escalating conflict in the region.

Authorities have stepped up actions against individuals suspected of supporting groups aligned with Hezbollah or other Iran-linked entities.

In March, Kuwait detained six people accused of ties to Hezbollah and of planning assassinations, according to officials.

At least three people were killed and five others wounded when rockets struck a house in the Khor Al-Zubair area near Basra, according to security and health officials.

Authorities said the death toll could rise as some victims remained trapped under rubble.Police said demonstrators gathered outside the Kuwaiti consulate before storming the premises, damaging property in response to the attack.

Kuwait condemned the incident, describing the storming and vandalism of its consulate as a serious breach of diplomatic norms. In a statement, the Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry said Iraq bears responsibility for ensuring the protection of diplomatic missions on its territory.

The ministry also said Kuwait was not involved in any regional conflict and would not permit its territory to be used as a launch point for attacks against other countries.

The incident highlights heightened tensions in the region amid ongoing instability linked to broader Middle East conflicts.

Iran’s central military command rejected the ultimatum, with General Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi describing Trump’s warning as destabilizing and vowing retaliation. “The gates of hell will open for you,” he said, echoing the language used by the U.S. president in recent statements.

Authorities in Abu Dhabi said multiple fires broke out at the Borouge Petrochemicals facility in Ruwais after debris from intercepted projectiles struck the site. Operations at the plant, a joint venture involving Abu Dhabi National Oil Co., were suspended pending damage assessment, with no injuries reported.

The UAE Defense Ministry said its air defence systems were actively engaging missile and drone threats, without specifying their origin. In Bahrain, Bapco Energies reported that a storage tank caught fire following an attack, though the blaze was later contained and no casualties were recorded.

In Kuwait, a fire erupted at the Shuwaikh oil sector complex, which houses key energy infrastructure including the headquarters of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation. State media reported material damage and the shutdown of two power and water units, with no casualties.

The Israeli military said missiles launched from Iran targeted its territory, while also reporting a separate missile fired from Yemen, marking the fifth such launch since the start of the conflict. Air defence systems were activated to intercept incoming threats.

The escalation underscores the widening scope of a conflict that began with U.S.-Israeli strikes on Tehran on February 28 and has since spread across the region. Iran has maintained restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route, while targeting economic infrastructure in Gulf states it associates with the U.S.-Israeli campaign.

Trump reiterated his ultimatum in a post on Truth Social, warning that time was running out for Iran to comply. He also released a video referencing strikes in Tehran that he said killed multiple Iranian military leaders, though he did not provide details on timing or verification.

Separately, Iranian media reported that U.S.-Israeli strikes in Ardabil province in the country’s northwest killed three people and wounded three others, citing a local official.

Iran’s military command said Iraqi vessels would be allowed to transit the Strait of Hormuz despite broader restrictions, describing Iraq as exempt from measures imposed on what it termed “enemy countries.”

The refinery attack triggered fires that emergency and firefighting teams were working to contain, the company said in a statement carried by state media. No injuries were reported, and operations were being monitored closely, including air quality in surrounding areas, which officials said showed no immediate environmental impact.

Earlier, Kuwait’s military said its air defense systems were engaging incoming missile and drone threats.

The Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy said a separate strike hit a power and desalination plant, causing material damage to parts of the facility. Emergency teams were deployed under contingency plans to maintain operations and secure infrastructure.

Kuwait has faced repeated missile and drone attacks since the outbreak of conflict involving Iran and its regional adversaries, increasing pressure on critical energy and utility infrastructure.

The latest strikes highlight the growing risk to energy supply chains and essential services in the Gulf, even as authorities seek to contain damage and maintain operational continuity.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation said the strike caused fires at fuel facilities within the airport perimeter, though it did not immediately provide details on casualties or the extent of operational disruption.

Authorities said emergency teams were deployed to contain the blaze, with firefighting operations underway at the site. Initial reports indicated that the attack involved unmanned aerial vehicles, but no group has claimed responsibility.

There was no immediate confirmation on whether flight operations had been suspended or diverted following the incident.The attack comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with recent military activity affecting energy infrastructure and key transport routes across the region.

Airports and oil storage sites are considered high-value targets due to their strategic and economic importance.

Kuwaiti officials have not released further details on damage assessments or potential security measures following the strike.

The ministry said in a post on X that the strike targeted infrastructure linked to electricity generation and water desalination, without providing further details on the timing or scale of the attack.

Authorities said the assault caused damage to a service building within the plant complex, though the extent of disruption to power and water output was not immediately clear.

No additional casualties were reported in the initial statement.

The incident comes amid escalating hostilities involving Iran and its regional adversaries, with attacks increasingly affecting critical infrastructure across the Gulf.

Kuwait, a key energy producer, has not been a primary battlefield but remains vulnerable due to its strategic facilities.

Officials did not provide further operational details or attribute responsibility beyond identifying the attack as Iranian.

Iran’s military renewed its warning on Sunday, saying it would target energy, information technology and desalination facilities linked to the United States and Israel if its own infrastructure continued to be hit.

The statement, issued by the Khatam Al-Anbiya operational command and carried by Fars news agency, followed a 48-hour ultimatum from U.S. President Donald Trump to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face strikes on Iranian power plants.

The threats mark a rare escalation into water systems, which have historically been less frequent targets in warfare. However, recent incidents suggest a shift. Bahrain said an Iranian drone strike on March 8 damaged a desalination plant, though authorities reported no disruption to supply.

Iran, in turn, accused the United States of striking a desalination facility on Qeshm Island that supplies dozens of villages, calling it a dangerous precedent. Iranian Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi said multiple water transmission and treatment facilities had been hit, damaging critical supply networks.

Analysts warn that targeting such infrastructure could significantly widen the conflict. Water economist Esther Crauser-Delbourg said earlier this month that attacks on water systems risk triggering “a war far more enormous” than the current confrontation.

The Middle East’s dependence on desalination heightens the stakes. According to World Bank data, water availability in the region is roughly one-tenth of the global average, making engineered water supply systems essential.

The region accounts for about 42% of global desalination capacity, with Gulf states relying heavily on the technology for drinking water. Desalinated water supplies around 42% of demand in the United Arab Emirates, 70% in Saudi Arabia, 86% in Oman and 90% in Kuwait, based on a 2022 report by the French Institute of International Relations.

Large urban centres such as Dubai and Riyadh depend on uninterrupted operation of these plants. A U.S. intelligence assessment cited in earlier diplomatic communications warned that disruption of desalination systems could have more severe consequences than the loss of any other major industry in the region.

Desalination plants face multiple risks in a conflict environment, including direct missile or drone strikes, power outages and contamination of intake water from oil spills.

Operators have moved to strengthen protection. Philippe Bourdeaux, a regional executive at French utility Veolia, said access controls around facilities had been reinforced and authorities in some countries had deployed missile defence systems near major plants.

Facilities are often interconnected, allowing some redistribution of supply if one site is damaged. Most also maintain reserves equivalent to two to seven days of consumption, providing a limited buffer against short-term disruptions.

Direct attacks on desalination infrastructure have been relatively rare. Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen have previously targeted such facilities in Saudi Arabia, while coalition strikes have hit water systems in Yemen. Israeli operations have also affected water infrastructure in Gaza, according to conflict monitoring data.

Broader targeting of water systems dates back to the 1991 Gulf War, but experts say the current scale of dependence on desalination makes the risks more acute.Prolonged outages could trigger severe consequences, including water rationing and population displacement from major cities.

Disruptions would also affect industries reliant on water, including tourism, manufacturing and data centres, amplifying the economic fallout of the conflict.

Recent attacks on oil and gas infrastructure have already driven up prices, raising concerns about inflation, trade disruptions and broader economic slowdown across both advanced and emerging markets.

Across Europe, memories of the economic fallout from the Russia-Ukraine war are shaping concerns about a fresh energy shock.

Germany, with its industry-heavy economy, is particularly exposed to higher energy costs. Although manufacturing activity has shown signs of stabilisation after a prolonged downturn, rising input costs and weaker global demand could weigh on exports. While Berlin has introduced stimulus measures, fiscal constraints may limit further support.

Italy faces similar vulnerabilities, given its large manufacturing base and relatively high dependence on oil and gas in its energy mix.In United Kingdom, electricity prices are closely tied to gas costs, which have risen sharply since the conflict began.

While a price cap may soften the immediate impact on households, economists warn it could lead to prolonged high borrowing costs and strain public finances.

Japan remains highly vulnerable due to its reliance on imported energy, sourcing around 95% of its oil from the Middle East. Nearly 90% of these supplies pass through the Strait of Hormuz, making supply disruptions a critical risk.

The impact is compounded by a weak yen, which increases the cost of imports and adds to inflationary pressures affecting food and household goods.

In the Gulf, the conflict is expected to have a direct economic impact. While higher oil prices would typically boost revenues, disruptions to shipping routes could offset gains if exports are constrained.

Countries such as Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain rely heavily on the uninterrupted flow of hydrocarbons through the Strait of Hormuz.

Any sustained blockage could hinder their ability to access global markets.The conflict could also affect remittance flows from expatriate workers, a key source of income for many households in the region.

Among large emerging economies, India is particularly exposed. It imports about 90% of its crude oil and nearly half of its liquefied petroleum gas, with a significant share transported via the Strait of Hormuz.

Higher energy prices could widen India’s trade deficit, fuel inflation and complicate monetary policy, especially if global financial conditions tighten in response to the crisis.

As energy markets remain volatile, the extent of the economic impact will depend on the duration of the conflict and the degree of disruption to global supply chains.

In comments shared in a video that resurfaced online, the minister said “anyone here who is more loyal to Iran than to Bahrain should rely on Allah and leave,” adding that those who prioritise ties to Iran should “leave and settle down” there. The remarks come as Bahrain and neighbouring Gulf countries face continued missile and drone attacks from Iran in a conflict that escalated following tensions with the United States on Feb. 28.

Iran has launched strikes not only on Israel but also on multiple Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, according to official statements and regional reporting. The attacks have targeted both military and civilian infrastructure across the region. Bahrain has reported damage to sites including areas near the U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters in Manama, underscoring the proximity of strategic assets to the conflict.

The United Arab Emirates has also reported sustained strikes, with its defence ministry citing hundreds of missiles and drones launched since late February. The widening scope of the conflict has raised concerns among Gulf governments about both external threats and internal vulnerabilities.

The minister’s remarks follow heightened concern among Gulf authorities over domestic security and alleged links between Iran and networks operating within the region. Regional security reporting has pointed to concerns about covert cells providing intelligence or operational support, including relaying coordinates or documenting strike locations.

Bahraini authorities have long accused Iran of backing militant groups and fomenting unrest in the kingdom. The issue of national loyalty has remained a sensitive topic in Bahrain, particularly during periods of heightened regional tension.

Bahrain has experienced episodes of unrest in the past, and officials have repeatedly emphasised national unity during times of geopolitical strain. Since the outbreak of hostilities, Gulf states have tightened security measures and reinforced public messaging as they respond to the expanding conflict, which has disrupted energy flows and heightened geopolitical risks across the region.

The forum, held under the leadership of Kuwait’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdullah Al-Yahya, emphasized building stronger partnerships, advancing trade, and ensuring lasting regional security.

The event brought together senior officials and representatives from both the GCC and the EU, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering mutual understanding and collaboration on strategic issues. Leading the European delegation, Kaya Kallas, vice president of the European Commission, highlighted the EU’s commitment to working closely with Gulf nations on challenges ranging from energy cooperation to maritime security.

The discussions were marked by optimism, constructive dialogue, and a forward-looking approach to regional and global affairs.

During the forum, participants focused on pressing regional and international topics, particularly developments in the Middle East. The discussions underscored the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. Both sides agreed on the need for enhanced cooperation in maritime security and the protection of critical sea lanes, essential for uninterrupted global trade and energy supply.

By working together, the GCC and EU aim to ensure safe and secure maritime routes that benefit not only the Gulf and Europe but also the global economy.

The forum also addressed the growing significance of climate change and sustainable development in shaping regional policies. Delegates explored innovative approaches to energy efficiency, renewable energy, and climate-resilient infrastructure, signaling a shared vision of environmentally conscious economic growth.

This collaboration is expected to support both GCC and EU nations in meeting ambitious climate goals while fostering green investment opportunities.

Looking ahead, the forum set the stage for the 29th GCC-EU Joint Council and Ministerial Meeting, scheduled to take place in Kuwait on Monday. This upcoming meeting is anticipated to further enhance cooperation in trade, energy, and investment, while addressing emerging challenges in global security and environmental sustainability.

Both blocs have expressed optimism that these high-level discussions will create practical frameworks for partnership and strengthen long-term strategic ties.

Kuwait’s role as host reflects the nation’s ongoing commitment to international diplomacy and regional leadership. By facilitating these discussions, Kuwait continues to position itself as a key hub for dialogue, trade, and cooperation between the Gulf region and the European Union.

Minister Al-Yahya emphasized that fostering trust and collaboration is crucial in navigating complex global challenges, from energy security to climate resilience.

The positive outcomes of these meetings are expected to benefit citizens, businesses, and governments alike. Enhanced trade cooperation between the GCC and EU is likely to boost economic growth, create jobs, and encourage innovation in sectors such as energy, technology, and infrastructure.

Strengthened security arrangements will provide a safer environment for commerce, travel, and investment, further solidifying the region’s stability and prosperity.

Experts and observers have lauded the forum as a milestone in GCC-EU relations, highlighting the constructive and solution-oriented nature of the discussions.

By prioritizing strategic partnership, security, and trade, Kuwait and its partners are building a resilient framework that addresses both current and future challenges, fostering a global environment of collaboration, peace, and mutual benefit.

As Kuwait continues to host such high-profile international forums, it reinforces its reputation as a forward-thinking, stable, and influential player on the world stage.

The GCC-EU talks mark a significant step in creating a stronger, safer, and more prosperous future for the Gulf region, Europe, and the global community.