KUWAIT SLAMS HORMUZ CLOSURE, WARNS OF FOOD CRISIS

15/10/2026

KUWAIT SLAMS HORMUZ CLOSURE, WARNS OF FOOD CRISIS

NEW YORK, Oct 15, (Agencies): The State of Kuwait has reaffirmed its strong condemnation of Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and its threats to freedom of navigation therein. It also condemned the continued obstruction of shipping in the Bab al- Mandab Strait by its proxies in the region, warning of the repercussions these practices have on global food security, the flow of essential goods, and rising transportation and insurance costs. This statement was delivered by Diplomatic Attaché Dalal Sharar Wednesday before the Second Committee (Economic and Financial) of the UN General Assembly. The address took place during the discussion of the agenda items on “Eradication of Poverty” and “Agricultural Development, Food Security, and Nutrition.”

Sharar called for the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 2817 and urged Iran to immediately refrain from actions and threats that obstruct lawful transit or freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. She stressed that these demands align with international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, while noting that the world faces interconnected challenges affecting global food security, ranging from climate change and water scarcity to supply chain disruptions caused by threats to vital waterways.

In a related context, Sharar warned of the persisting hunger crisis and the suffering of millions, despite a global decline in the prevalence of hunger to 7.8 percent in 2025, noting the disparity in this improvement across different regions. She pointed out that the number of people suffering from hunger in Asia stands at approximately 292 million, while Africa now accounts for the largest number of hungry people globally, around 309 million, or nearly one-fifth of the continent’s population.

She emphasized the necessity of directing support and resources to the areas in greatest need and strengthening their resilience against successive shocks. Separately, the spokesperson for the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen, Major General Turki Al-Maliki, announced Thursday the interception and destruction of a cruise missile in the Madinah region. In a brief statement posted on the coalition’s official account on the X platform, Al-Maliki provided no further details. Elsewhere, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Kuwaiti Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah discussed bilaterial ties and regional developments Thursday, stressing the need for deescalation and diplomatic solutions to regional tensions. In a statement, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry noted that the two ministers praised the longstanding ties between both countries during their phone call.

They also reviewed preparations for the next meeting of the Kuwaiti-Egyptian Joint Ministerial Committee, scheduled to take place in Kuwait. Both officials exchanged views on recent regional developments, jointly condemning and rejecting the attacks on Saudi Arabia. They also emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts to reduce tensions, advance political solutions and prioritize diplomatic dialogue to promote regional security and stability. In Kuwait, Chief of the General Staff of the Kuwaiti Army Lieutenant General Khaled Al-Shuraian discussed issues of mutual interest with Deputy Director of Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation Frolkin Alexey. The General Staff said in a statement Thursday that Al-Shuraian received the Russian official and his accompanying delegation during their visit to Kuwait. The meeting featured cordial exchanges and discussions on various issues of mutual interest and ways to strengthen and develop relations between the two friendly countries. Russian Ambassador to Kuwait Vladimir Zheltov and senior army officers attended the meeting.

KUWAIT SLAMS HORMUZ CLOSURE, WARNS OF FOOD CRISIS

Kuwait, Egypt call for de-escalation, diplomatic solutions