18/06/2025
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18/06/2025
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Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Al-Yahya
KUWAIT CITY, June 18: Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Al-Yahya reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to the safe and expedited evacuation of all Kuwaiti citizens currently in Iran, amid rapidly deteriorating security conditions sparked by ongoing Israeli airstrikes.
In a televised interview with Al-Akhbar TV, Minister Al-Yahya emphasized that the safety of Kuwaiti nationals abroad remains a top priority, noting that "no injuries or health-related incidents have been reported among Kuwaiti citizens since the start of the Israeli assault on Iran last Friday." He confirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has activated its emergency response plan, beginning with an immediate census of Kuwaiti nationals across Iranian cities. “We started the process in Tehran, then moved on to Mashhad and Qom. We have maintained direct contact with all citizens, recorded their whereabouts, and are working to evacuate them at the earliest opportunity via the nearest exit routes,” he said.
The minister explained that evacuations are currently being carried out through land crossings into Iraq, with onward travel to Kuwait coordinated with local and regional authorities. “We are also transporting some citizens through Turkmenistan, with flights arranged from Ashgabat to Kuwait,” he added. Sheikh Al-Yahya assured that the evacuation operations are proceeding in close coordination with neighboring countries, underscoring Kuwait’s diplomatic efforts to facilitate safe passage. “We are doing everything necessary to ensure our citizens return home swiftly and safely,” he stated.
As the current chair of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Kuwait has taken a leading diplomatic role since the escalation began. The minister revealed that a video conference was convened on Saturday with GCC foreign ministers, resulting in a unified condemnation of Israel’s military operations and a collective call for de-escalation and a return to negotiations. Al-Yahya also confirmed that the Gulf states are actively monitoring the situation for any signs of radiation fallout due to strikes on sensitive sites in Iran. “All current readings are stable, but we remain vigilant,” he said.
Regarding consular support, the minister noted that Kuwait operates a single diplomatic mission in Tehran, while other Gulf countries have additional consulates in Mashhad and Qom. “Despite this, we function as a united Gulf team, ensuring that all Gulf nationals in Iran receive adequate support, regardless of where they are,” he said. The minister concluded by reiterating Kuwait’s full diplomatic mobilization to protect its citizens and promote regional stability: “Our goal remains clear—safeguard our people and contribute to efforts that bring peace and security to the region.”
