Kuwait: Addressing Middle East Insecurity Requires Confronting Occupation Policies

Kuwait affirmed that addressing insecurity in the Middle East requires confronting policies of occupation, aggression, and impunity, noting that “the continued attacks by the occupying entity on the Palestinian people and countries of the region undermine peace prospects and fuel cycles of violence.” This was stated in Kuwait’s statement delivered by Third Secretary Abdulaziz Al-Saaidi, of its Permanent Mission to the United Nations, on Monday evening before the First Committee of the General Assembly on Disarmament and International Security during the general debate.

Al-Saaidi reiterated Kuwait’s condemnation of Iranian attacks targeting its territory and those of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Jordan since February last year, including attacks carried out by factions and militias loyal to Iran in Iraq. He emphasized that “the State of Kuwait is not a party to the ongoing conflict and has not permitted the use of its territory, airspace, or waters to launch attacks on Iran.” He called on Iran to fully comply with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), halt its direct attacks and threats or those conducted through its proxies, and respect the sovereignty of neighboring states and the principles of good neighborliness.

On the nuclear issue, Al-Saaidi renewed Kuwait’s call for the occupying Israeli entity to join the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and to subject all its nuclear facilities and activities to comprehensive safeguards by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), warning that “the continued exemption of the entity undermines the credibility of the non-proliferation regime.” He reaffirmed Kuwait’s support for the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free and other weapons of mass destruction-free zone in the Middle East, and for reaching a legally binding treaty with the participation of all concerned parties, ensuring equal security for all.

He expressed Kuwait’s regret that the 2026 Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons failed to adopt a consensus final document, stressing the need to fulfill commitments on nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and the assurance of peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

Al-Saaidi expressed Kuwait’s pride in its election by consensus as Chair of the IAEA Board of Governors for the term 2026–2027, reaffirming its commitment to enhancing the Agency’s independence and credibility, supporting technical cooperation, and verifying compliance with nuclear obligations.

Regarding conventional arms, Al-Saaidi stressed the importance of safe and sustainable ammunition management and preventing illicit trafficking, noting Kuwait’s election as Vice-Chair of the Preparatory Meeting for the Global Framework for Conventional Ammunition Management.

He concluded by emphasizing the importance of translating international commitments into serious national actions and effective international cooperation, thereby strengthening confidence in the disarmament and international security architecture.