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

Last updated: May 12, 2026 | 17:22

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. AFP file

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…