Kuwait on Tuesday summoned the Iranian Ambassador and lodged a formal protest over what it described as an Iranian attack on a Kuwaiti tanker in the Strait of Hormuz.

The state news agency KUNA reported.

According to KUNA, Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry summoned Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Tootunchi and handed him a protest note concerning Monday’s targeting of the Kuwaiti tanker Kaifan.

The ministry reiterated Kuwait’s demand that Iran immediately cease its illegal attacks.

The diplomatic protest came amid heightened tensions in the Gulf following days of military exchanges.

The United States has carried out multiple waves of strikes on Iran’s military and infrastructure sites in the past week, saying the operations were aimed at degrading Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has responded by targeting U.S. bases and facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan with missiles and drones.

Kuwaiti authorities have reported Iranian attacks targeting military sites as well as vital infrastructure, including oil facilities and power and water desalination plants.

(Xinhua/NAN)