Kuwait evacuates citizens from Iran, urges public to avoid rumors amid tensions

As evacuation flights began arriving in Kuwait from Iran, Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is continuing to implement the evacuation plan for Kuwaiti citizens residing in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The move, guided by the directives of Kuwait’s political leadership, reflects the government’s strong commitment to safeguarding the safety and security of its citizens abroad.

The first evacuation flight landed early Saturday morning, carrying 334 Kuwaiti citizens via Turkmenistan. Two more flights are expected to follow. Families greeted the returnees with flowers, tears, and heartfelt embraces, expressing their gratitude to the leadership, government, and diplomatic corps for ensuring the safe return of their loved ones.

Meanwhile, Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs, Ambassador Samih Hayat, emphasized the strong coordination among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in responding to current regional challenges. Speaking to Al-Akhbar TV, Hayat highlighted joint evacuation efforts involving citizens of Gulf countries that do not maintain diplomatic representation in Iran. He noted that Kuwait is treating those nationals as its own in line with its longstanding humanitarian values.

Ambassador Hayat issued a strong warning against the spread of rumors and misinformation on social media, urging citizens to rely only on verified sources for information. “There is a fifth column trying to exploit these exceptional circumstances to stir unrest. We must remain vigilant and protect our national unity,” he said.

He stressed the need for public awareness and emphasized that state agencies are actively monitoring online platforms. “Several individuals have been summoned and detained for spreading false information. This is not the time to seek attention at the nation’s expense,” he added.

Hayat praised the Ministry of Interior and all security agencies for their continuous vigilance and swift response to misinformation, reaffirming Kuwait’s commitment to internal stability and the safety of its citizens during these challenging times.