In addition, the Ministry of Social Affairs confirmed the abundance and stability of the strategic stock of goods, food and consumer products in the country, stressing that there is no cause for concern regarding the availability of basic commodities. In a press statement, the ministry disclosed that this stability is the result of prior coordination with government agencies within the framework of the approved national emergency plan to ensure sustainable food security. The ministry indicated that it is continuing to monitor the efforts of the cooperative sector, in coordination with the Union of Cooperative Societies, to ensure the smooth flow of supply chains and price stability in the local market. It emphasized the importance of the role of cooperative societies in enhancing market stability and consumer confidence. It reiterated its call to citizens and expatriates not to be swayed by rumors and to rely only on information issued by official sources. It affirmed that the relevant authorities continue to work around the clock to guarantee food security and the uninterrupted provision of goods. Minister of Social, Family and Childhood Affairs Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah stressed that the cooperative sector, in coordination with the government agencies, is monitoring the availability of goods in local markets. She said the strategic stockpile is stable and that goods are available to meet consumer needs without any obstacles. In a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Al-Huwailah revealed the ministry, Public Authority for Disabled Affairs (PADA), and the Supreme Council for Family Affairs have taken regulatory measures in various sectors to ensure the efficiency and continuity of services, in light of the regional developments. She stated that the relevant authorities are monitoring their operational and technical works in a coordinated manner, such as ensuring the availability of technical and administrative services and the stability of systems according to the approved work mechanisms and an operational plan that guarantees the quality of services.

She affirmed that the specialized work teams are continuing their tasks as per the timetable; thereby, achieving the highest level of institutional readiness to provide services without interruption. Also, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry confirmed that the food stock and supply of basic commodities are reassuring, and that food is available in sufficient quantities to meet consumer needs; noting that supply chains are operating normally and without any interruption. Director of the Commercial Control Department at the ministry Faisal Al- Ansari informed KUNA that the emergency teams of the ministry visited a number of private company warehouses to review the inventory levels and ensure the smooth fl ow of supply. He stated this move is part of the strategic food security plan submitted by the Council of Ministers, which the ministry is responsible for implementing and continuous monitoring. He added the ministry constantly coordinates with the Union of Consumer Cooperative Societies and Kuwait Flour Mills and Bakeries Company; especially in times of crisis or seasonal increase in demand, with the aim of finding plausible solutions that ensure market stability and prevent consumers from being affected by potential shortages of basic commodities.

“We are working with the concerned authorities to closely monitor the food stock situation, and strive to secure the consumer needs of citizens and expatriates by ensuring the continuous availability of basic commodities in local markets,” he concluded. Meanwhile, Chairman of the Union of Consumer Cooperative Societies Abdulaziz Al-Mutairi affirmed that the strategic stock of basic commodities in cooperative societies is sufficient; thereby, meeting the consumers’ needs. He clarified in a press statement that this availability is not the result of an emergency, as it is rather the result of coordination and prior planning with the relevant government agencies, in line with the national emergency plan, which is aimed at ensuring sustainable food security at all times. He added that the union is operating in accordance with the directives of the Council of Ministers and Al- Huwailah who stressed the importance of preparedness and securing basic commodities in cooperative societies nationwide. He pointed out that the union continues to coordinate with suppliers and regulatory authorities to ascertain the smooth fl ow of supply and price stability, and to take proactive measures that maintain market balance and meet the needs of citizens and expatriates without interruption. Furthermore, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research said it is closely monitoring regional developments through daily coordination with the relevant authorities; and that it remains committed to taking all the necessary measures to ensure the safety of students and members of the teaching and administrative staff in various educational institutions. In a press statement, the ministry disclosed that Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Dr. Nader Al-Jalal has instructed the relevant authorities to activate emergency plans and raise preparedness levels in all areas.

It underscored the importance of close field monitoring of developments to guarantee the safety of the academic community and the continuity of the educational process. It added that the emergency teams in educational and research institutions are fully prepared and working in coordination with the concerned authorities to ensure immediate intervention and take the necessary precautionary measures according to the developments. It reassured the students and parents that the summer semester will begin on Sunday according to the approved study plans, and that all educational authorities are fully alert and prepared to ensure a safe and regular educational environment. Moreover, the US Embassy in Kuwait confirmed that “US forces are not involved in the Israeli military operations against Iran.” In a statement on the X platform Saturday, the embassy said “we are monitoring news reports on the Israeli strike against Iran, and there is no change in the embassy’s position at this time.” The embassy previously issued a security alert calling for extreme caution in the region. It stated that “due to increased regional tensions, the Department of State advises US citizens to exercise extreme caution. Historically, similar tensions have led to travel disruptions and increased security concerns for US citizens in the region.” It advised US citizens to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive information and alerts, facilitate their location in an emergency abroad, prepare an emergency plan, and review the traveler’s checklist. On Friday, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al- Ahmad Al-Sabah chaired the meeting of Supreme Defense Council at Bayan Palace.

The Council is following up with latest regional developments and called for uniting efforts and preparations between concerned state bodies as part of approved emergency plans. Kuwait has strongly condemned the Israeli occupation’s aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran on Friday, describing it as a blatant breach of all international laws, a violation of Iranian sovereignty, and a threat to regional security. Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement reiterating Kuwait’s call on the international community and the United Nation’s Security Council to fulfill their responsibilities in putting an end to such violations, to protect the safety and stability of the region. Israel’s defense minister warned Saturday that “Tehran will burn” if Iran continues firing missiles, as the two countries traded blows a day after Israel launched a blistering surprise attack on Iranian nuclear and military sites, killing several top generals. Israel’s military said the strikes also killed nine senior scientists and experts involved in Iran’s nuclear program. Iran’s U.N. ambassador said 78 people were killed and more than 320 wounded. Iran retaliated by launching waves of drones and ballistic missiles at Israel, where explosions lit the night skies over Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and shook buildings. The Israeli military urged civilians, already rattled by 20 months of war in Gaza sparked by Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, to head to shelter for hours. Health officials said three people were killed and dozens wounded. Defense Minister Israel Katz said Iran will pay a heavy price for harming Israeli citizens. “If (Iranian Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali) Khamenei continues to fire missiles at the Israeli home front - Tehran will burn,” Katz said. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday that his objective was to eliminate any Iranian threat to Israel, but he also urged Iranians to rise up against their leaders. Israel would welcome the government’s overthrow even if it is not actively seeking it.