伊朗卫队密谋渗透科威特布比延岛 该岛设有中国支持的港口

Four alleged IRGC members held after attempted infiltration of strategic Bubiyan Island

Last updated: May 12, 2026 | 17:22

2 MIN READ

The accusation by Kuwait of an Iranian link to the incident came just before US President Donald Trump travels to Beijing for a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Kuwait’s interior ministry said four men arrested earlier this month after attempting to enter the country by sea had confessed to belonging to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The group allegedly included two naval captains, a naval lieutenant and an army lieutenant linked to the Guards.

According to Kuwaiti authorities, the men attempted to infiltrate Bubiyan Island aboard a fishing boat on May 1 and were allegedly preparing to carry out “hostile acts” inside the Gulf state.

Why Bubiyan Island matters

Kuwait’s largest island, located in the northern Gulf near Iraq and Iran

Kuwait’s largest island, located in the northern Gulf near Iraq and Iran

Home to the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project, one of Kuwait’s biggest strategic infrastructure developments

Home to the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project, one of Kuwait’s biggest strategic infrastructure developments

Port is linked to China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Kuwait Vision 2035 plans

Port is linked to China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Kuwait Vision 2035 plans

Designed to become a major regional trade and logistics hub connecting Gulf shipping routes

Designed to become a major regional trade and logistics hub connecting Gulf shipping routes

Sits close to the Strait of Hormuz and key Gulf maritime lanes

Sits close to the Strait of Hormuz and key Gulf maritime lanes

Seen as strategically sensitive because of its proximity to Iran and Iraq

Seen as strategically sensitive because of its proximity to Iran and Iraq

Kuwait says alleged IRGC operatives attempted to infiltrate the island by sea

Kuwait says alleged IRGC operatives attempted to infiltrate the island by sea

The island and port project were previously targeted during the regional conflict

The island and port project were previously targeted during the regional conflict

The island’s growing strategic importance has turned it into one of the Gulf’s most sensitive maritime and infrastructure zones.

Kuwait said two additional suspects managed to escape after security forces intercepted the group during the operation. One Kuwaiti security official was reportedly wounded during the confrontation.

The incident marks one of the most serious direct accusations levelled by Kuwait against Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in recent years and comes amid heightened regional instability linked to the ongoing US-Iran conflict and the Strait of Hormuz crisis.

Bubiyan Island holds major strategic significance for Kuwait as it hosts the Mubarak Al Kabeer Port project, a major China-backed infrastructure development linked to Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative.

The port and surrounding Gulf shipping lanes have become increasingly sensitive amid fears that the region could again slide toward wider conflict if tensions between Tehran, Washington and Gulf states escalate further.

Since the regional war erupted in late February, Kuwait has intensified security operations against individuals and groups allegedly linked to Iran.

In April, Kuwaiti authorities announced the arrest of 24 people accused of financing “terrorist” entities, with local security sources saying several former lawmakers were among those detained.

Iran has not officially responded to Kuwait’s allegations.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, established after Iran’s 1979 revolution, operates separately from Iran’s regular military and is regarded as the country’s most powerful military and ideological force. With an estimated strength of more than 190,000 personnel across its naval, aerospace, ground and intelligence branches, the IRGC plays a key role in Tehran’s regional military operations and foreign security strategy.

A Senior Associate Editor with more than 30 years in the media, Stephen N.R. curates, edits and publishes impactful stories for Gulf News — both in print and online — focusing on Middle East politics, student issues and explainers on global topics. Stephen has spent most of his career in journalism, working behind the scenes — shaping headlines, editing copy and putting together newspaper pages with precision. For the past many years, he has brought that same dedication to the Gulf News digital team, where he curates stories, crafts explainers and helps keep both the web and print editions sharp and engaging.

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