Council of Ministers: Continuation of Iran and its proxies' aggression in Iraq constitutes a blatant violation of Kuwait's sovereignty - Sarmad
(KUNA) — The Cabinet held its meeting today, Tuesday, July 14, 2026, presided over by His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister, may God protect him. Following the meeting, His Excellency Sheikh Shuraidh Abdullah Al-Muwasharji, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, issued the following statement:
“At the outset of its meeting, the Cabinet was briefed on the substance of the meeting held by His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may God protect and guard him, with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and the accompanying delegation, during the fraternal visit paid by His Highness to Kuwait last Thursday. The meeting was attended by His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, may God protect him, and His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister, may God protect him.
During the meeting, pleasant exchanges took place reflecting the deep-rooted fraternal relations binding the two countries and their brotherly peoples, as well as ways to support and develop these ties across various fields and all levels. Both sides emphasized the importance of expanding the horizons of bilateral cooperation between the two fraternal countries in a manner that serves their shared interests.
They also discussed the latest developments on the regional and international scenes, foremost among them the developments in the Middle East region, exchanging views on these issues. Both Highnesses affirmed their countries’ support for all initiatives, efforts, and endeavors aimed at establishing peace, security, and stability in the region.
The meeting also reviewed key issues of common Gulf interest and reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening unity and the progress of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to realize the aspirations of its peoples for further development and prosperity.
Also present at the meeting were His Excellency Sheikh Fahad Youssef Al-Saud Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; His Excellency Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah, Minister of Diwan Amiri Affairs; His Excellency Sheikh Thamer Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Head of the Crown Prince’s Diwan; His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah Ali Al-Salim Al-Sabah, Minister of Defense; His Excellency Sheikh Jaraah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Minister of Foreign Affairs; and several senior officials from the Diwan Amiri.”
On another note, the Cabinet was informed by His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may God protect and guard him, of the official declaration of mourning and the lowering of flags within the country and at Kuwait’s embassies abroad, starting from last Sunday for a period of four days, in mourning for the late Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, may God have mercy on him. In light of this great tragedy, the Cabinet extends its sincere condolences and sympathies to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the sister State of Qatar, to the esteemed ruling family, and to the brotherly Qatari people, on the passing of the late Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, may God have mercy on him. It emphasized that Qatar, the Gulf family, the Arab and Islamic nations, and the world have lost a great leader and a towering symbol distinguished by foresight and wisdom, who dedicated his life to serving his country and people, as well as the causes of the Arab and Islamic nations, standing by them and defending them. It reiterated that Kuwait and its people, who were pained by this loss, will always proudly recall the positions of the sister State of Qatar and the late leader’s stance toward Kuwait, as well as their support for its just causes during the Iraqi occupation. The Cabinet commended the comprehensive developmental renaissance and significant progress achieved by Qatar under his blessed reign across various fields, elevating it among advanced nations. It prayed to God Almighty to envelop the deceased in His boundless mercy, forgiveness, and pleasure, and to admit him into Paradise among the righteous, the martyrs, and the truthful, and to grant His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the esteemed ruling family, and the brotherly Qatari people the best patience and solace.
On another note, the Cabinet expressed its strongest condemnation and rejection of the heinous aggression launched by Iran and its loyal factions and militias in Iraq against Kuwait, through attacks targeting several border centers and an offshore drilling platform owned by Kuwait Oil Company, which resulted in human casualties and material losses. While reaffirming that the continuation of the aggression by Iran and its proxies in Iraq constitutes a blatant violation of Kuwait’s sovereignty and a serious threat to the security and safety of Kuwaiti citizens and residents on its soil, as well as an open challenge to international legitimacy and United Nations Security Council Resolution (2817) of 2026, and an irresponsible undermining of regional and international efforts aimed at achieving security and stability in the region, the Cabinet stressed Kuwait’s inherent right to take appropriate measures to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and stability, in accordance with the provisions of international law and the UN Charter.
Furthermore, the Cabinet expressed its strong condemnation and rejection of the continued attacks targeting Kuwait’s Consulate General in Basra, which constitute an unacceptable violation of the inviolability of consular premises and undermine the Iraqi government’s efforts to fulfill its international obligations under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (1963), particularly Article 31, which obligates the host state to take all appropriate steps to ensure the full protection of consular premises and safeguard their inviolability. Despite the efforts made by the Iraqi government to counter these attacks, the Cabinet emphasized in this context the necessity for the Iraqi government to take immediate and decisive measures to hold all those involved in these hostile acts accountable, ensure their non-repetition, and adopt measures sufficient to safeguard the inviolability of Kuwait’s diplomatic and consular missions accredited to the Republic of Iraq and guarantee the security and safety of their personnel.
In a related context, the Council of Ministers expressed its strong condemnation and rejection of the heinous Iranian attacks that targeted the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. These attacks constitute a repeated and brazen escalation, a violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of these states, and a serious breach of the rules of international law, the UN Charter, and Security Council Resolution (2817). The Council affirmed the State of Kuwait’s full solidarity with these sister states and its support for all measures they are taking to safeguard their security and stability and protect their sovereignty. It stressed that the continuation of such practices threatens the security and stability of the region, calling on Iran to immediately cease these actions, respect the sovereignty of states, and resolve disputes through peaceful means.
In the same vein, the Council of Ministers expressed its strong condemnation and rejection of the heinous Iranian attack that targeted two Emirati oil tankers while they were transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The attack resulted in the death of one crew member and injuries to others, representing a blatant violation of international law and Security Council Resolution (2817), as well as a direct threat to the security and safety of maritime navigation and global energy supplies. The Council affirmed Kuwait’s full support for the sister State of the United Arab Emirates and its backing of all measures taken to protect its security and assets. It emphasized the urgent need for an immediate halt to all escalatory actions and adherence to international law provisions that guarantee freedom of navigation and transit through straits used for international navigation, thereby preserving the security and stability of the region.
On another note, the Council of Ministers expressed its strong condemnation and rejection of the attacks launched by the Houthi militia using ballistic missiles, targeting the southern region of the sister Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These attacks constitute a blatant violation of the Kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, a breach of international law and international humanitarian law, and an escalation that undermines regional security and stability. The Council affirmed Kuwait’s full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its standing by its side, and its support for all measures taken to safeguard its sovereignty, preserve its security and stability, and protect its people and residents on its territory.
The Council of Ministers also expressed its strong condemnation and rejection of the Iranian targeting of a Saudi oil tanker while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz, which represents a serious violation of international law rules and a threat to the security and safety of maritime navigation and the stability of global energy supplies. The Council reiterated Kuwait’s firm and supportive stance toward the security and stability of the sister Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and its rejection of any aggression that jeopardizes its security or endangers its interests and assets.
On a separate note, the Council of Ministers heard a briefing from His Excellency the Minister of Defense, Sheikh Abdullah Ali Al-Salim Al-Sabah, on the latest developments in the region and current military developments in light of the heinous Iranian attacks that the State of Kuwait suffered in recent days. He affirmed the readiness of the Armed Forces and their continued performance of their duties and responsibilities with efficiency and competence, as well as their adoption of all necessary measures and precautions to safeguard the country’s security and territorial integrity, ensuring the safety of citizens and residents.
On another note, the Council of Ministers heard a briefing from His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Jaraah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, on the political and diplomatic efforts undertaken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its diplomatic missions abroad to keep pace with the latest developments on both the regional and international stages.
On another note, His Excellency Foreign Minister Sheikh Jaraah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah briefed the Council of Ministers on the outcomes of the ministerial meeting of the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) member states and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member countries, held on the sidelines of the NATO summit in the Turkish capital, Ankara, last Wednesday. His Excellency chaired the Kuwaiti delegation participating in this meeting. In his address, he reiterated Kuwait’s condemnation of the reprehensible Iranian aggression targeting the country and its civilian and vital infrastructure, which constituted a blatant violation of Kuwait’s sovereignty and a flagrant breach of international law and UN Security Council Resolution 2817. He emphasized Kuwait’s commitment to enhancing joint cooperation with NATO within the framework of the ICI to address current and emerging challenges in the region and to explore new areas of collaboration. His Excellency noted that Kuwait’s hosting of the NATO-Istanbul Cooperation Initiative Regional Center exemplifies the robust partnership between the two sides and their commitment to coordination, consultation, and constructive dialogue. He called for holding a joint ministerial meeting between ICI member states and NATO member countries in Kuwait in 2027, to contribute to continuing collective efforts to achieve common goals and enhance security and stability in the region and beyond.
Furthermore, His Excellency the Foreign Minister briefed the Council of Ministers on the substance of his meetings with the foreign ministers of friendly countries, as part of his visit to Ankara, Turkey, to lead the Kuwaiti delegation at the aforementioned ministerial meeting. During these meetings, the relations between Kuwait and those friendly countries were reviewed, along with ways to develop and strengthen them across various fields. The discussions also covered the latest developments on the regional and international scenes.
On another front, the Council of Ministers reviewed a visual presentation delivered by His Excellency Finance Minister and Chairman of the High Committee for Sovereign Credit Rating Governance, Dr. Yaqoub Al-Sayed Yousef Al-Rafai, regarding the committee’s report for the first half of 2026. The report affirmed the strength and stability of Kuwait’s sovereign credit rating among the three major global rating agencies. It indicated that Kuwait maintains strong investment-grade credit ratings, with Standard & Poor’s assigning a rating of AA-, Fitch Ratings assigning AA-, and Moody’s assigning A1, with a stable outlook from all three agencies. This follows Standard & Poor’s upgrade of Kuwait’s sovereign credit rating by one notch in November 2025, citing momentum in financial reforms and the issuance of Law-Decree No. 60 of 2025 on Financing and Liquidity, which enhanced government financing flexibility and enabled the development of public debt instruments. The report noted that rating agencies maintained Kuwait’s ratings without any negative action during recent regional tensions, underscoring the resilience of its credit profile and global market confidence in its economy. The report confirmed that the committee will continue, in coordination with relevant authorities, to monitor rating factors and advance financial and economic reforms to support the sustainability of Kuwait’s sovereign credit rating.
On another note, the Cabinet approved a draft decree-law on converting Kuwait Airways into a fully state-owned joint-stock company and submitted it to His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may God protect and guard him.
For his part, the Cabinet reviewed the minutes of the meeting of the Ministerial Committee for Public Services, which included several items, the most prominent of which was the report of the Green Urban Development Initiatives Committee on initiatives submitted by a number of state-owned oil sector companies, private sector firms, cooperative societies, and individuals, concerning ornamental landscaping and greening of several main streets, certain sites and squares across the country, public parks in some residential areas, as well as painting several major bridges in various governorates of the State of Kuwait. The Cabinet approved these initiatives, expressing its gratitude and appreciation for efforts that contribute to supporting the state’s endeavors to develop ornamental landscaping in Kuwait and highlight its civilized character. It commended the efforts of the Minister of Ahmadi Governorate and Chairman of the Green Urban Development Initiatives Committee, Sheikh Hamoud Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and the committee members in fostering a spirit of initiative and social responsibility, and in encouraging institutions and individuals to contribute to beautifying and greening the country’s green spaces, creating a suitable urban environment, and achieving sustainable development.
The Cabinet also reviewed a number of agenda items, reports, and ministerial committee minutes, and approved them. It also decided to refer several of them to the relevant ministerial committees for study and to submit appropriate recommendations regarding them to complete the procedures necessary for their implementation.
