"Our country has been subjected to a brutal attack by a neighbouring Muslim country, which we consider a friend, even though we have not permitted the use of our land, airspace, or coasts for any military action against it, and we have repeatedly informed them of this through our diplomatic channels," said Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah in a televised speech.

He also insisted on Kuwait's "full and inherent right to self-defence", speaking for the first time since Iran's attacks began on February 28.