Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry expresses solidarity with Iran over port explosion tragedy

On Monday, a number of ambassadors accredited to Kuwait, along with Kuwaiti citizens, visited the Iranian Embassy in Kuwait to offer their condolences following the tragic explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas, which claimed dozens of lives and left hundreds injured.

In a show of solidarity, Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs, Ambassador Sameeh Hayat, wrote a message in the embassy’s condolence book on behalf of Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya, Deputy Foreign Minister Sheikh Jareh Al-Jaber, and all staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The message read:

“We extend our heartfelt condolences and solidarity to the Islamic Republic of Iran—its government and people—over this tragic incident at Bandar Abbas Port, which took the lives of many innocent individuals and left hundreds injured. We pray for the swift recovery of the wounded and for the continued safety of the Islamic Republic.”

Iran’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Mohammad Totonji, expressed deep sorrow over what he described as a “devastating catastrophe” that claimed the lives of numerous technicians and workers at the port. He confirmed that investigations are still underway to determine the cause, with early indications pointing to shortcomings in the implementation of safety protocols.

Ambassador Totonji also conveyed his gratitude for the condolences extended by His Highness the Amir, the Crown Prince, the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and several prominent figures. He said this sincere display of brotherly compassion helped ease the pain of the tragedy and reaffirmed the deep-rooted ties between the Kuwaiti and Iranian peoples, echoing the proverb: “The neighbor before the house.”

Commenting on the ongoing indirect talks between Iran and the United States, Totonji noted that the negotiations are proceeding positively. He revealed that the third round of discussions was recently held in Muscat under Omani mediation, focusing primarily on Iran’s nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions. He reiterated Iran’s commitment to international agreements and its dedication to maintaining peaceful activities.

Several other diplomats also visited the embassy to offer condolences, including Palestinian Ambassador Rami Tahboub, Iraqi Ambassador Al-Manhal Al-Safi, and Lebanese Charge d’Affaires Ahmad Arfa, all of whom expressed their sympathy and prayers for the Iranian people.

Russian Ambassador Vladimir Zheltov also extended his condolences, saying: “We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident and stand in solidarity with the Iranian people during these difficult times.” He added that Russian-Iranian relations remain strong and have reached a strategic level.

Italian Ambassador Lorenzo Morini offered his sympathies as well, stating, “We share in the grief of the victims’ families, who were performing their duties with dedication. We feel compelled to stand with them in these trying times and offer our moral support.”