Al-Yahya says no Kuwaiti in Iran is injured, evacuation underway via Iraq, Turkmenistan

Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya reaffirmed on Wednesday the government’s commitment to ensuring the safe and swift return of all Kuwaiti citizens currently in Iran, amid escalating security tensions in the region following Israeli military operations.

In a televised interview with Al-Akhbar TV, Minister Al-Yahya stressed that no Kuwaiti has been injured in Iran since the outbreak of Israeli strikes early last Friday. He emphasized that “the safety of Kuwaiti citizens abroad remains a top national priority,” especially under the current volatile conditions.

The minister confirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has activated its emergency plan, which includes identifying and locating Kuwaiti nationals in Iran. He stated that the ministry has already begun counting citizens in Tehran, followed by the cities of Mashhad and Qom.

“We have been in direct contact with citizens in these cities and have started evacuations at the earliest available opportunity, using the nearest land crossings,” he said.

The evacuation is taking place through land routes via Iraq, with Kuwaiti citizens being transported across Iraqi territory and onward to Kuwait. In parallel, another group is being transferred through Turkmenistan, with plans to regroup them in Ashgabat ahead of their repatriation.

“The numbers are constantly shifting, but we are close to finalizing the count in Tehran, and efforts are still ongoing in other cities,” Al-Yahya noted. He also stressed that Kuwaiti embassies and consular offices remain in constant contact with citizens and their families, working to ensure they stay far from high-risk areas.

Al-Yahya further highlighted Kuwait’s regional diplomatic efforts, noting that as the current chair of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Kuwait took the initiative to convene an urgent virtual meeting of GCC foreign ministers on Saturday.

A joint statement was issued, condemning Israeli military operations against Iran and calling for an immediate ceasefire and de-escalation. Kuwait also reiterated its support for Iran’s return to the negotiating table as the only sustainable path to regional stability.

The minister noted that Kuwait is working closely with other Gulf states to monitor for any potential radiological fallout resulting from the escalation, reassuring that “all indicators are normal” and that the situation remains under tight surveillance.

Regarding consular coverage, Minister Al-Yahya explained that Kuwait operates its diplomatic mission in Tehran, while other Gulf states maintain consulates in Mashhad and Qom, enhancing the ability to support citizens across Iran.

“We are functioning as a unified Gulf team, ensuring that any Gulf citizen can receive immediate assistance from the nearest consular post,” he said.

Minister Al-Yahya concluded by reaffirming, “We are striving for the safe and rapid return of every Kuwaiti citizen, in full coordination with neighboring countries. We pray for their safety and a swift return home.”