The U.S. Liberated Kuwait but Now Struggles to Protect It From Iran

The U.S. is rethinking the size of its military footprint in Kuwait after Iran's missile and drone attacks targeted both U.S. installations and Kuwaiti infrastructure.

Iran has struck Kuwait's power and desalination plants, international airport, and Persian Gulf port, and cut off its oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. air defenses have intercepted most Iranian salvos, but a March attack killed six American servicemembers, the deadliest of the war.

Kuwait has signed a new defense pact with Pakistan, which is mediating in the U.S.-Iran conflict, but is still reliant on U.S. support.

Kuwait may press for new weapons and upgraded air defense systems from Washington and other suppliers to counter the Iran threat.