To add quotes from the State Department statement and background

May 28 (Reuters) - Kuwait's Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks launched by Iran with missiles and drones on its territory on Thursday, describing them as "a dangerous escalation and a flagrant violation of the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the State of Kuwait, and a direct threat to the lives of civilians and vital facilities."

The ministry said in a statement that it "demands that Iran immediately and unconditionally cease these heinous attacks, and holds it fully responsible for those attacks."

The statement indicated that the country reserves the right to respond, and said, "The Ministry emphasizes that the State of Kuwait reserves its full right to take all necessary measures to preserve its security and defend its territory and vital facilities against any aggression or threat."

Earlier on Thursday, the Kuwaiti military said its air defenses were intercepting hostile missiles and drones, without specifying their origin. The military added, "Any sounds of explosions heard are the result of air defense systems intercepting hostile attacks."