Kuwait mutes Iran spy case

KUWAIT CITY, June 13, (Agencies):  The State Security Circuit of the Criminal Court issued a gag order regarding the case of Iranian Revolutionary Guard officers accused of illegally entering Kuwaiti territorial waters and a restricted military zone, reports Al-Seyassah daily. According to the case file, the defendants crossed Kuwaiti maritime borders using boats and navigational and field equipment, and were carrying weapons, ammunition, and communication and surveillance devices, with the intent of targeting Kuwaiti military, sovereign, and security sites and facilities. The Kuwaiti Armed Forces, tasked with securing the area, detected and intercepted them within the military zone and subsequently referred them to the relevant authorities for legal proceedings.

Both sides emphasized the importance of strengthening security and stability in the region and the necessity of intensifying diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and resolving disputes through dialogue and peaceful means, in a manner that contributes to establishing the foundations of peace and prosperity and serves the interests of all parties and the peoples of the region and the world. His Highness the Crown Prince welcomed the nearing agreement between the parties, stressing support for all efforts that would consolidate regional and international security and stability, and enhance chances for peace and cooperation among the countries of the region. His Highness praised the tireless efforts made by His Excellency the President of the United States in supporting the path to ending the war, concluded the statement. In other news, Kuwait’s Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA) announced on Thursday that it had sent a third official protest letter to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regarding the continued Iranian attacks on Kuwait International Airport.

The letter included the targeting of the airport’s radar earlier in the day, which had serious implications for the safety and security of civil aviation operations. In a statement to KUNA, PACA said that the attacks resulted in human injuries and significant material damage and losses affecting radar facilities and equipment linked to air traffic management. It added that the incident necessitated urgent precautionary and operational measures, including a partial suspension of air navigation in Kuwait for a limited period to preserve the safety and security of civil aviation before air traffic was restored to normal in accordance with approved procedures and standards.

In its letter, the PACA stressed that the continued targeting of civil aviation facilities and infrastructure dedicated to air navigation services constitutes a grave violation of the provisions of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention of 1944) and relevant international rules and principles governing the safety and security of international civil aviation, while endangering passengers, flight crews and personnel working in the vital sector. The authority called on ICAO to take the necessary measures within its mandate, document these violations and examine their serious repercussions on the safety and security of regional and international air navigation. It affirmed that Kuwait reserves all its legal rights arising from these attacks, including the right to take all appropriate measures in accordance with international law and relevant international conventions.

Meanwhile, momentum for a deal to end the Iran war appeared to grow Saturday as key mediator Pakistan said an agreement was closer than “ever before” and Iran made some of its most optimistic statements yet. U.S. President Donald Trump said on social media the deal was “scheduled to get signed tomorrow,” and that the Strait of Hormuz would open immediately. Iran foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, however, said “although it will not happen tomorrow, the possibility that it could take place in the coming days cannot be ruled out.” Each side was expected to sign electronically. Meanwhile, Trump was expected to discuss demining the Strait of Hormuz during the Group of Seven summit that starts Monday. And Iran’s state-run television said funeral ceremonies for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in the war’s opening attack, will take place in July. A senior U.S. official, who briefed journalists on condition of anonymity under rules set by the White House, said Trump planned to meet on the G7 sidelines with the leaders of Egypt, Qatar and United Arab Emirates to discuss efforts to wind down the war. G7 members Britain and France have expressed interest in assisting with demining once the conflict is paused.