Iran denies Kuwait’s IRGC infiltration claims, cites navigation failure

Iran on Tuesday dismissed Kuwait’s accusations that members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attempted to infiltrate the country, calling the claims “baseless” and urging Kuwait to avoid “hasty statements.”

Navigation failure, not infiltration

In a statement, Iran’s Foreign Ministry rejected allegations made by Kuwait’s foreign and interior ministries that Tehran had planned hostile actions against Kuwait. Tehran also condemned what it described as Kuwait’s “improper political and propaganda exploitation” of the case involving four Iranian personnel. According to Tehran, the four individuals were conducting a routine maritime patrol when a disruption in their navigation system caused them to enter Kuwaiti territorial waters. Iran reiterated its policy of respecting the sovereignty of all regional countries, including Kuwait, and called for the matter to be pursued through official channels.

Kuwait’s version of events

Earlier Tuesday, Kuwait’s Interior Ministry said four people affiliated with the IRGC were arrested while attempting to enter the country by sea. The state news agency KUNA reported that the suspects admitted during questioning that they belonged to the IRGC and had been tasked with infiltrating Bubiyan Island aboard a rented fishing boat to carry out “hostile acts against Kuwait.” The ministry added that a Kuwaiti security officer was injured during clashes with the infiltrators. Kuwait subsequently summoned Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Totonji and handed him a formal protest note.

Regional context

The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions following the US-Israeli war against Iran that began on February 28. A Pakistan-brokered ceasefire took effect on April 8 but has yet to yield a lasting agreement. Türkiye continues to urge all Gulf nations to exercise restraint and resolve disputes through diplomatic channels, warning that any escalation could further destabilize the region.