Kuwait Orders Iranian Diplomats to Leave Within 24 Hours

03/06/2026

KUWAIT CITY, Jun 3: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Kuwait and handed over an official protest note over what it described as continued Iranian attacks, along with a decision to reduce the size of the Iranian diplomatic mission in the country.

Represented by Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Hamad Suleiman Al-Mashaan, the ministry summoned Counselor Hamed Hamid Yaqoubi Far, Chargé d’Affaires of the Iranian Embassy, on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. During the meeting, Kuwait formally informed him of measures, including the reduction of Iranian diplomatic staff and declaring two members of the mission persona non grata, requiring them to leave Kuwaiti territory within 24 hours.

The ministry stated that the decision follows renewed ballistic missile and drone attacks at dawn targeting civilian and vital facilities, including Kuwait International Airport, which resulted in one death, dozens of injuries, and damage to key infrastructure and diplomatic premises. It described the attacks as a violation of Kuwait’s sovereignty, international law, the UN Charter, and Security Council Resolution 2817.

Kuwait strongly condemned and rejected the attacks, reaffirming that it does not allow its territory or airspace to be used for hostile actions against any state. It also dismissed Iranian allegations as baseless, stating they cannot justify the strikes on Kuwaiti soil.

The ministry further stressed Kuwait’s full and inherent right to defend its sovereignty and take all necessary measures to protect its security, territory, airspace, citizens, and residents in accordance with international law.