KUWAIT CITY, June 24: His Highness the Amir and Supreme Commander of Kuwait Armed Forces Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Tuesday presided over the meeting of the Supreme Defense Council in the presence of His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah to follow up the latest regional developments.

During the meeting, His Highness the Amir was briefed on all the efforts exerted by the concerned authorities in the country, their coordination, the extent of their readiness, and the high level of preparedness among various sectors to deal with any emergency. His Highness instructed all concerned parties to take the necessary measures and precautions to maintain national security and stability.

In a related development, His Highness the Amir on Monday evening called Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in the aftermath of the missile attack launched by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Al-Udeid air base. During the telephone call, His Highness the Amir voiced Kuwait’s emphatic denunciation of this aggression; as it is a clear breach of the sovereignty and airspace of Qatar, as well as the international law and the United Nations Charter.

His Highness reiterated that the State of Kuwait totally stands side by side the Qatari leadership, government and people; and fully supports all measures and decisions the latter is taking to safeguard its sovereignty, security and stability. He also affirmed that Kuwait is ready to use its capabilities and resources to support the State of Qatar, stressing that Qatar’s security and stability are an integral part of Kuwait’s security and stability.

Meanwhile, the Amir of Qatar expressed deep gratitude and appreciation to His Highness the Amir; wishing His Highness good health and the State of Kuwait and its people progress and development. Moreover, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah on Monday chaired the meeting of the Supreme Defense Council at Bayan Palace, with His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah in attendance.

The council condemned the attack on Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar; describing it as a blatant violation of Qatari sovereignty and airspace, in addition to the international law and the UN Charter. It also reviewed the major efforts that Kuwait exerted in various sectors to deal with potential emergencies, stressing that the country is fully prepared for emergencies and there is a high level of coordination among the relevant authorities. The Civil Defense Committee also held a meeting on Monday, chaired by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, to enhance preparedness in view of the recent regional developments.

In a press statement, the committee revealed that the meeting took place at the Crisis and Disaster Management Center in Nawaf Al-Ahmad Building. Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Major General Ali Al-Adwani and 32 representatives of various government institutions attended the meeting. During the meeting, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef stressed the need to “maintain maximum level of readiness and work in a spirit of unity, as the current phase requires collective national efforts and enhanced field and information coordination among all relevant entities.” They discussed the operational mechanisms of specialized field evacuation and shelter teams, emphasizing the importance of strengthening effective communication among concerned authorities.

They stressed the need to unify efforts within an integrated system that ensures swift response and the highest level of coordination in crisis and emergency management. They also underscored the need to activate early warning systems and unified control centers to expedite decisionmaking and resource allocation in order to reinforce national readiness and achieve the highest standards of safety and stability. The committee stated that Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef called on all participating bodies to “continue conducting joint exercises, updating databases, and intensifying qualification and training programs in line with the best international practices in crisis management.”

Furthermore, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya said on Monday evening that the State of Kuwait absolutely stands with Qatar, its leadership, government and people in facing threats to its security and stability. In a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Al-Yahya disclosed that he contacted Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad bin Abdulrahman to express Kuwait’s official and public support for everything that will safeguard the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of Qatar. He added that the State of Kuwait, as per the directive of the political leadership, puts all its capabilities and resources at the disposal of Qatar out of belief in the “same destiny and coherence of the Gulf house.” He also confirmed the commitment to maintain regional stability and safeguard its assets.

He asserted that Qatar’s security is an integral part of Kuwait’s security, indicating that such times require a further consolidation of bonds of cooperation and solidarity in dealing with common challenges. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an official statement on Sunday strongly condemning the attacks on Al-Udeid air base in Qatar. The ministry described the attacks as a serious escalation that undermines regional peace, security and stability. It emphasized that the State of Kuwait stands with Qatar’s leadership, government and people and backs all measures it is taking to safeguard its sovereignty, security and stability; including its right to direct response in a way that aligns with this blatant aggression.

It added that Kuwait is ready to harness all its potential and capabilities to support Qatar, while reiterating that Qatar’s security and stability is an integral part of Kuwait’s security and stability. While commending the Qatari defense systems’ interception of this missile attack, the ministry reiterated Kuwait’s call for halting regional military operations and conflict spillover due to the Israeli occupation attacks. It also underscored the necessity of unifying efforts and promoting regional and international coordination to settle mattes in a diplomatic manner. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced on Monday the temporary closure of the country’s airspace, as a precautionary measure to ensure its security and safety, in light of similar precautionary steps taken by several neighboring countries.

In a statement, the DGCA pointed out “the relevant authorities affirm that this decision is part of efforts to maintain the highest levels of safety and security amid recent regional developments.” It confirmed that it is fully coordinating with the competent authorities locally and internationally to monitor developments and take all necessary measures. It then urged travelers and airlines to closely monitor official updates and to cooperate with the relevant authorities in implementing this decision. The DGCA announced later that air traffic at Kuwait International Airport has returned to normal, following the stabilization of the airspace surrounding the country.

According to data from Flight Radar, 15 flights were diverted to neighboring airports, most of which were to Jeddah and Cairo airports, before flights resumed normal operations at the end of the temporary suspension period. The directorate explained that the temporary closure, which lasted for approximately two hours, led to the delay and cancellation of a number of flights. These flights were rescheduled to depart at later times or return to Kuwait International Airport. It stated that the decisions taken affirm its commitment to ensure the highest standards of safety and security in Kuwaiti airspace, and are based on careful assessments conducted by specialized teams in cooperation with relevant local and international authorities.

It praised the passengers and airlines for their understanding and cooperation during the past period, stressing that the safety of everyone and the State of Kuwait was and remains a top priority and will not be compromised. On the other hand, the Kuwaiti Army General Staff denied rumors spread on some social media platforms regarding a missile attack on a military airbase, affirming that “Kuwait’s sovereignty remains safe from any violation or attack”. In a press statement, the Army General Staff urged everyone to obtain news from credible and official sources, and to refrain from believing or spreading misinformation on social media. On the other hand, the Ministry of Social Affairs confirmed the stability of the strategic stock of basic food commodities in cooperative societies throughout the country, stressing that there is no cause for concern amid the current regional situation.

In a press release, the ministry stated that cooperative societies continue to operate regularly and all commodities are available in sufficient quantities. It affirmed that strategic and alternative plans are in place to ensure stability of the local market and availability of commodities under various circumstances. It highlighted ongoing monitoring and coordination with relevant authorities to meet the needs of citizens and residents. The Ministry of Health reassured the public that the healthcare system and its staff are fully prepared, based on well-studied rapid response plans to ensure everyone’s safety, in full cooperation and coordination with the relevant official institutions.

The Ministry of Information emphasized the importance of local media outlets in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and credibility. In a statement issued Monday evening, the ministry stressed the need for accuracy in reporting and broadcasting news. It urged all media institutions to refrain from spreading rumors or publishing unreliable information, warning of the negative impact such actions could have on societal security. Kuwait General Administration of Customs (KGAC) confirmed its full readiness 24/7 at all customs locations at full capacity. The administration explained that the documentation departments are working in complete coordination to ensure the smooth flow of goods and passengers, and enhance security and inspection procedures to preserve Kuwait’s security and facilitate trade and transportation.

Elsewhere, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was “in effect” on Tuesday, after expressing deep frustration with both sides and accusing them of violating the agreement he brokered. Israel earlier accused Iran of launching missiles into its airspace after the truce was supposed to take effect. The Iranian military denied firing on Israel, state media reported. Trump expressed anger and frustration as he told reporters at the White House that both Israel, a close ally, and Iran had violated the ceasefire plan. But later he said the deal was saved, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said he held off on tougher strikes against Iran after speaking to Trump.

“Following President Trump’s conversation with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Israel refrained from additional attacks,” Netanyahu’s office says. Trump told reporters at the White House before departing for a NATO summit that, in his view, both sides had violated the nascent agreement. He had particularly strong words for Israel, a close ally, while suggesting Iran may have fired on the country by mistake. But later he said the deal was saved. “ISRAEL is not going to attack Iran. All planes will turn around and head home, while doing a friendly “Plane Wave” to Iran. Nobody will be hurt, the Ceasefire is in effect!” Trump said in his Truth Social post. Indeed, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said he held off on tougher strikes against Iran after speaking to Trump. The conflict, now in its 12th day, began with Israel targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites, saying it could not allow Tehran to develop atomic weapons and that it feared the Islamic Republic was close. Iran has long maintained that its program is peaceful. Many worried the war might widen after the U.S. joined the attacks by dropping bunker-buster bombs over the weekend and Israel expanded the kinds of targets it was hitting. But after Tehran launched a limited retaliatory strike on a U.S. military base in Qatar on Monday, Trump announced the ceasefire.

By Mohammad Al-Enezi
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff and Agencies