ByREUTERS, CORINNE BAUM
Updated:

Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed that a failed US Patriot interceptor missile hit a Kuwaiti airport on Tuesday, and denied reports that Tehran fired at the airport, according to regime-linked media.

The US military on Wednesday said Iranian claims that a US missile interceptor had damaged Kuwait International Airport were false, adding that Iran struck the civilian airport with drones in a "deliberate, calculated, and unjustified attack."

This comes after Kuwait banished two Iranian diplomats and declared them persona non grata, giving them 24 hours to leave the country. 

Iran's charge d'affairs was summoned after the strikes, and Kuwait's Foreign Ministry reduced the number of Iranian diplomats in the country.

Debris lies on the floor as fire burns in the background, in the aftermath of Iranian strikes, according to the foreign ministry, at Kuwait International Airport in Kuwait City, Kuwait, June 3, 2026, in this still image obtained from a social media video.
Debris lies on the floor as fire burns in the background, in the aftermath of Iranian strikes, according to the foreign ministry, at Kuwait International Airport in Kuwait City, Kuwait, June 3, 2026, in this still image obtained from a social media video. (credit: Social Media/via REUTERS)

Notably, Iran had originally said that Kuwait and Bahrain bore "direct and clear responsibility" for the attack on the airport and the attacks on the region, alleging their territory and facilities had been used to support US military operations against Iran.

Iran Patriot missile claims contradict earlier statements on strike

Tehran said it reserved the right to self-defense and would use all available means to respond, including by targeting the source of any future attacks.

One person died, and over 60 people were injured after Iran targeted Kuwait International Airport with missiles and drones. Several flights were diverted from the airport, and all aviation traffic in the country was suspended. 

Some structural damage was sustained to Terminal One of the airport.

Araghchi claims contacts with US still intact, threatens strikes on Israel if Beirut attacked 

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, during an interview with the Lebanese broadcaster Al Mayadeen on Wednesday, said Tehran's contacts with Washington have not been cut off, but that no progress has been made in the negotiations, adding that both sides were studying the texts exchanged.

He also added that if Israel attacks Beirut, Iran would respond. His comments come after significant tension between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over striking Beirut.