Iranian attacks undermine de-escalation efforts

During its weekly meeting chaired by His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Sabah, Prime Minister, the Cabinet expressed its strongest condemnation and rejection of the repeated, heinous Iranian attacks on Kuwait, the latest of which occurred on the dawn of last Sunday. These attacks constitute a blatant violation of Kuwait’s sovereignty, a direct threat to its security and stability, and to the safety of its citizens and residents, as well as a clear breach of the rules of international law and the UN Charter.

The Cabinet emphasized that continuing such brazen attacks, while regional and international efforts aimed at de-escalation are underway, undermines initiatives to reduce tensions in the region and poses a direct challenge to the international will supporting this path. It reaffirmed Kuwait’s full right to take all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty, preserve its security and stability, and protect its people and residents.

On another note, His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Sabah directed ministers not to take any contractual measures with consulting offices without prior approval from the Cabinet.

For further details: The Cabinet was briefed at the outset of its meeting on the substance of the meeting between His Highness and the US Secretary of State. No contractual measures with consulting offices shall be taken without the approval of the Cabinet.

The Cabinet held a meeting yesterday, presided over by His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Sabah, Prime Minister. Following the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Shari’a Al-Muwasharji issued the following statement:

At the outset of its meeting, the Cabinet was briefed on the substance of the meeting held last Wednesday between His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during the latter’s official visit to the country. The meeting was attended by Minister of the Diwan Amiri Sheikh Hamad Al-Jaber, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Jara Al-Jaber, several senior officials from the Diwan Amiri, and Kuwait’s Ambassador to the United States, Sheikha Al-Zain Al-Sabah. During the meeting, the U.S. Secretary conveyed greetings and appreciation from U.S. President Donald Trump to His Highness the Amir, along with best wishes for his continued health and well-being, and for further progress and prosperity for the Kuwaiti people. His Highness the Amir conveyed his greetings to President Trump and his best wishes for good health and well-being, as well as continued development and growth for the United States and its friendly people. The discussions focused on the deep-rooted historical relations between the two countries and their friendly peoples, and on ways to support and develop these ties across all fields in a manner that serves the interests of both nations and their shared concerns. The meeting also addressed the latest developments on the regional and international scenes, particularly regarding recent developments in the Middle East region, and reviewed all efforts and initiatives contributing to enhancing its security and stability.

The Cabinet was also briefed on the substance of the meeting held between His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the latter’s official visit to the country. During this meeting, the deep-rooted historical relations between the two countries and their friendly peoples were reviewed, alongside discussions on the latest developments in the Middle East and reaffirmation of support for all efforts aimed at preserving the region’s security and stability.

On another matter, Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Sabah directed ministers not to take any contractual measures with consulting offices without prior approval from the Cabinet.

On a separate note, the Cabinet heard a briefing from Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Al-Ali regarding the latest developments in the region and current military developments in light of the malicious Iranian attacks suffered by Kuwait early last Sunday. He emphasized that the Armed Forces continue to carry out their duties and responsibilities with efficiency and competence, thereby enhancing national security and safeguarding the safety of citizens and residents.

In this context, the Cabinet expressed its condemnation and strongest rejection of the repeated malicious Iranian attacks on Kuwait, the latest of which occurred early last Sunday. These attacks constitute a blatant violation of Kuwait’s sovereignty, a direct threat to its security and stability, and a threat to the safety of its citizens and residents. They also represent a clear breach of international law and the UN Charter. The Cabinet reaffirmed that the continuation of these overt attacks, while regional and international efforts aimed at de-escalation are underway, undermines initiatives to reduce tensions in the region and poses a direct challenge to the international will supporting this path. It reiterated Kuwait’s full right to take all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty, maintain its security and stability, and protect its people and residents.

The Cabinet also expressed its strong condemnation and rejection of the renewed malicious Iranian attacks on the territory of the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain using several drones on Saturday and Sunday last week. These attacks caused material damage to civilian infrastructure, constituting a blatant violation of Bahrain’s sovereignty and a direct threat to its security, stability, and the safety of its citizens and residents. The Cabinet emphasized that Iran’s continued targeting of the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain represents a serious escalation that could undermine de-escalation efforts, destabilize security and stability in the region, and constitute a clear violation of international law and the UN Charter. It reiterated Kuwait’s full solidarity with and support for the Kingdom of Bahrain in all measures it takes to protect its security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, affirming that the security of the Kingdom of Bahrain is an integral part of the security of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.

On another note, the Cabinet expressed Kuwait’s sympathy with the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia following the crash of an “Aramco” helicopter in the Ras Tanura governorate last Sunday, which resulted in the martyrdom of all its passengers. The Cabinet conveyed Kuwait’s sincere condolences and deepest sympathies to the leadership, government, and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this great loss, praying to Almighty God to have mercy on the martyrs and grant them Paradise.

On a separate note, the Cabinet expressed Kuwait’s sincere condolences and sympathy with the sisterly State of Qatar following the martyrdom of a Qatari national and the injury of a resident due to shrapnel from recent military operations in the region. The Cabinet conveyed Kuwait’s sincere condolences and deepest sympathies to the leadership, government, and people of Qatar, as well as to the martyr’s family, wishing the injured person a speedy recovery.

On another note, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Jara Al-Jaber informed the Cabinet of the outcomes of the Joint Ministerial Meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the United States of America, which was held last Thursday in the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain, and which was chaired by the head of the Kuwaiti delegation participating in the meeting.

The foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, together with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reaffirmed the robust and longstanding relationship between the GCC states and the United States, as well as the historical friendship ties between the two sides.

During the meeting, the parties discussed ways to enhance Gulf-U.S. relations and expand partnership areas to broader and more comprehensive horizons. They also reviewed the latest regional developments, particularly diplomatic efforts aimed at strengthening security and stability in the region following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

In this context, the Foreign Minister briefed the Cabinet on the content of the joint final statement issued at the conclusion of the joint ministerial meeting between the GCC countries and the United States. The joint final statement emphasized Kuwait’s sovereignty over its territorial waters and called on the Iraqi government to fulfill its bilateral and international obligations. The ministers reiterated in their joint statement their respect for Kuwait’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, in accordance with international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 833. The statement also noted U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s reaffirmation of his country’s firm commitment to the security of the GCC states. The GCC foreign ministers welcomed the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, praising the important mediation roles played by both Pakistan and Qatar.

Furthermore, the Cabinet reviewed several agenda items, reports, and minutes of ministerial committees, and approved them. It also decided to refer certain items to the relevant ministerial committees for study and to submit appropriate recommendations to complete the necessary procedures for their implementation.