Kuwait claims right to defend as Iran attack cycle continues

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 3: The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday strongly condemned the latest in a series of Iranian attacks on the country, the most recent launched early Thursday. In a statement, the ministry described the ongoing attacks as a grave breach of Kuwait’s sovereignty and a direct threat to the safety and stability of its citizens and residents. It called the escalation a flagrant violation of international law, the UN Charter, and UN Security Council Resolution 2817. These attacks reflect an aggressive posture that jeopardizes regional security and systematically undermines diplomatic de-escalation efforts, the ministry added. Kuwait reiterated its full right under Article 51 of the UN Charter and international law to take all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty, protect its security, and defend its territory and vital facilities against any aggression or threat. The General Staff of the Kuwaiti Armed Forces announced early Thursday that its air defenses were actively intercepting missile and drone attacks amid the ongoing Iranian aggression. In a press statement, it said any blasts heard by the public were the result of ongoing interception operations against hostile missiles and drones. It urged residents to remain calm and follow safety instructions issued by the relevant authorities.

Arab League session
Meanwhile, Assistant Undersecretary for Technical Affairs at the Ministry of Finance Saad Al-Alaty on Thursday described the Iranian attacks on Kuwait and other Gulf states as a threat to security and stability. Al-Alaty, delivering Kuwait’s statement on behalf of Finance Minister Dr. Yaqoub Al-Rifai at the 118th ministerial session of the Arab League’s Economic and Social Council in Cairo, called for joint Arab action to strengthen solidarity and unify positions in the face of current and future challenges. He noted that rapid developments have demonstrated that security is no longer limited to its traditional dimensions, but has become comprehensive — encompassing economic and food security, energy security, the sustainability of supply chains and trade routes, and the stability of financial markets.

Regional condemnation
Bahrain on Thursday expressed its strong condemnation of the repeated Iranian missile and drone attacks on Kuwait. The Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the attacks constitute a blatant violation of Kuwait’s sovereignty and security, a grave breach of international law and the UN Charter, and a violation of the principles of good-neighborliness, as well as UN Security Council Resolution 2817. Bahrain stressed its full solidarity with Kuwait and its complete support for all measures taken to defend its sovereignty, security, and stability, in accordance with international law and Article 51 of the UN Charter. The ministry noted that Kuwait’s security is an integral part of Bahrain’s national security, praising the efficiency and high readiness of Kuwait’s armed forces and air defenses in confronting the hostile attacks. Bahrain renewed its call on the UN Security Council to shoulder its responsibilities and take firm, deterrent measures to compel Iran to comply with its international obligations, halt its attacks on the countries and peoples of the region, and ensure the safety of maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and other vital waterways.