Kuwait activates emergency plans 24/7 upon directives from Supreme Leadership

Kuwaiti Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs, Ambassador Samih Jowhar Hayat, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs operates under a comprehensive, proactive emergency framework, always ready to respond swiftly to crises.

In a televised interview with Al-Akhbar TV, Hayat explained that the Ministry’s response mechanisms are pre-planned and activated as needed, in coordination with the Cabinet and in direct communication with the country’s supreme political leadership.

“There are standing directives from the highest levels to maintain constant readiness and coordination during emergencies,” Hayat stated. “Reports are submitted continuously to the Cabinet and ultimately to the Supreme Leadership, ensuring that every decision is informed and timely.”

Commenting on the current regional tensions, Hayat highlighted Kuwait’s humanitarian and diplomatic role in facilitating the safe return of citizens from high-risk areas, particularly from Iran.
He confirmed that the numbers of Kuwaitis in Tehran were promptly identified and reported, prompting immediate instructions from the leadership to secure their safe evacuation.

He added Kuwait has adopted a semi-unified evacuation plan in coordination with fellow Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, especially for those lacking diplomatic representation in Iran. “Kuwait treats these citizens as its own,” he said, emphasizing the country’s longstanding humanitarian commitment.

The Omani Embassy in Kuwait also confirmed the continuation of evacuation efforts for its citizens transiting through the Abdali border crossing and Kuwait International Airport. Ambassador Dr. Saleh Al Kharousi reported that 75 Omanis have already been evacuated, with a new group of 25–30 expected to arrive soon. He expressed gratitude to the Kuwaiti Ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs for their facilitation and cooperation.

Ambassador Hayat praised the professionalism of Kuwait’s diplomatic staff, noting their training in handling all types of crises—from natural disasters to armed conflict. He stressed that safety is the top priority: “The speed of evacuation is important, but not at the expense of the safety and well-being of our citizens.”

He also explained that Kuwaiti diplomats have relocated from Tehran to Mashhad to directly supervise evacuation operations and assist citizens on the ground.

In reinforcing the role of diplomacy, Hayat pointed out that Kuwait remains open to cooperating with international organizations, including the United Nations, to ensure humanitarian protection and smooth logistical coordination.

Hayat urged Kuwaiti citizens abroad to maintain communication with embassies and consular offices, particularly in times of crisis. “Accurate location and contact information can be the difference between safety and risk during an emergency,” he said.

He stressed that Kuwaiti foreign missions and the Ministry’s crisis teams are working 24/7, both in Kuwait and abroad, to support citizens and facilitate coordination with host countries.

Ambassador Hayat concluded by highlighting Kuwait’s diplomatic reach, with over 10,000 agreements and memoranda of understanding signed globally over the past six decades—enabling strong bilateral ties and efficient crisis response mechanisms. “Kuwait is a peace-loving country that acts on principle,” he affirmed, “and our humanitarian approach extends to everyone, without discrimination.”