Kuwait summons Iranian diplomat and orders two embassy staff to leave after June 3 strikes
Kuwait summons Iranian diplomat, lodges formal protest and orders two embassy staff to leave after June 3, 2026 missile and drone strikes that hit civil sites.
Kuwait on June 3, 2026 summoned the acting Iranian chargé d’affaires and delivered a formal protest following missile and drone strikes that struck civil infrastructure and caused casualties. The Foreign Ministry also ordered a reduction in the Iranian embassy’s personnel and declared two members of the mission persona non grata with 24 hours to depart. The move underscores Kuwait’s contention that the attacks breached its sovereignty and international law.
Kuwait summons Iranian chargé d’affaires
The summons was conducted by Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Hamad Sulaiman Al‑Mishaan, who received Hamed Hamid Yaqoubi Far, the Iranian chargé d’affaires ad interim. During the meeting, the ministry handed over an official note of protest detailing Kuwait’s objections to repeated attacks that it attributes to Iran. The diplomatic action signals an escalation in Kuwait’s response short of severing relations.
Formal protest and diplomatic reductions
Kuwait announced a reduction in the number of Iranian embassy staff and designated two diplomatic personnel as unwelcome, requiring their departure within 24 hours. The ministry described the measures as proportional steps to protect Kuwait’s sovereignty and the safety of its residents. Officials said the decision followed a pattern of what they called “aggressive and sustained” strikes using ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Damage and casualties from the June 3 strikes
Kuwait said the attacks renewed at dawn on June 3 and targeted multiple civilian and vital facilities, including Kuwait International Airport. Authorities reported one fatality and dozens of civilians injured, alongside material damage to critical infrastructure and diplomatic premises. Kuwaiti officials emphasized the human toll and the disruption to essential services as central to their response.
Kuwait cites United Nations and international law
The Foreign Ministry framed the strikes as clear violations of Kuwait’s territorial integrity, the UN Charter, and relevant Security Council decisions, including Resolution 2817. Kuwaiti officials asserted that the attacks contravened established norms of international conduct and called attention to the need for accountability. The reference to the Security Council resolution underscores Kuwait’s appeal to multilateral mechanisms and legal standards.
Rejection of allegations and assertion of defence rights
Kuwait publicly rejected what it described as unfounded Iranian claims and said those allegations lack evidence and cannot justify the assaults. The ministry reiterated Kuwait’s absolute refusal to allow its territory or airspace to be used for hostile operations against any state. Officials also affirmed Kuwait’s inherent right to self‑defence and pledged to take necessary measures consistent with international law to safeguard its sovereignty, citizens and residents.
Next steps and diplomatic timeline
Kuwait gave the two designated members of the Iranian mission a strict 24‑hour deadline to leave the country and said it would monitor compliance closely. The ministry indicated further steps could follow depending on subsequent developments and the trajectory of regional tensions. For now, the measures stand as Kuwait’s immediate diplomatic response aimed at deterring further use of its territory or airspace for hostile acts.
The Kuwaiti government’s actions reflect an effort to balance firm diplomatic measures with adherence to international legal principles as it navigates a sensitive regional security environment.