Kuwait Affirms Neutrality, Urges Peaceful Resolution to Middle East Conflict
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Kuwait’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Timor Leste, and ASEAN, Khalid Jassim Al-Yassin, has affirmed his country’s commitment to promoting a peaceful resolution through diplomatic channels amid the conflict between the United States (US), Israel, and Iran that has been ongoing since February.
During a visit to the ANTARA Heritage Center in Pasar Baru, Jakarta, on Tuesday, Khalid stated that the Kuwaiti government had informed Iran from the outset that it would not take sides in the conflict. “We remain neutral. We do not allow our territory or airspace to be used for attacks against neighbouring countries (including Iran),” Khalid Jassim Al-Yassin said.
Despite maintaining a neutral stance, Khalid revealed that Iran had launched several attacks on Kuwaiti territory, including targeting civilian facilities such as seawater desalination plants, power stations, oil refineries, and airports. According to him, these attacks have had a widespread impact on the daily activities of Kuwait’s citizens. “For a small country like Kuwait, which is only 17,000 square kilometres, these attacks cause disruption to daily life in Kuwait,” Khalid said.
As part of efforts to maintain regional stability, Kuwait continues to urge all parties involved to prioritise dialogue over violence as a means of resolving the conflict. Furthermore, Kuwait is calling on all parties to comply with international law, international human rights law, and the United Nations (UN) Charter.
“The Kuwaiti government welcomes the ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, and we continue to encourage Pakistan and Qatar (as mediators) to continue their mediation efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution to this conflict,” Khalid stated. He also stressed the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz as an international waterway. According to Khalid, the Strait of Hormuz is of strategic importance to Kuwait as it is the sole maritime transport route in the Gulf region.
“We want to ensure that the strait remains safe and open for shipping activities. That (Iranian control of the Strait of Hormuz) is contrary to international maritime law,” he said. Khalid added that the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2817 (S/RES/2817(2026)) on 11 March, condemning Iran’s attacks on countries in the Arabian Gulf region.