Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah said on Monday his country, where 12 people were killed, has been subjected to a brutal attack by Iran, despite not allowing the use of its land, airspace, or coasts for any military action against the Iranian Republic.
On Feb. 28, the United States and Israel launched a surprise strike against Iran, which responded by firing ballistic missiles on lands and facilities in Gulf countries and Jordan.
In a televised address on the occasion of the last 10 nights of Ramadan, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad stressed Kuwait's full and inherent right to self-defense in response to Iran’s blatant aggression.
“Our country has been subjected to a brutal attack by a neighboring Muslim country, which we consider a friend, even though we have not permitted the use of our land, airspace, or coasts for any military action against it, and we have repeatedly informed them of this through our diplomatic channels,” he said.
The Emir insisted on Kuwait's full and inherent right to self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, in response to this blatant aggression, in a manner proportionate to the scale and nature of the attack and in accordance with international law, including taking all necessary measures to protect its territory, its people, and residents while preserving its sovereignty, security, and stability.
Addressing Kuwaiti nationals, he said, “I address you tonight... during a period in which the region is witnessing rapid developments, increasing tensions, and an unprecedented escalation.”
He said that awareness of current developments is no longer a choice but a national necessity that allows for the accurate interpretation of developments, understanding potential political and security challenges, and dealing with them rationally and responsibly, without neither exaggeration nor underestimation.
The Emir praised the Kuwaiti Armed Forces who managed to intercept hundreds of drones and missiles and said he ordered authorities to enhance precautionary measures and safeguard critical sites to ensure a rapid response to any emergency and maintain public stability.
“The military, security and civilian institutions are operating with high readiness and coordination to ensure the safety of citizens under all circumstances,” he said.
Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad said attacks targeting Kuwait’s airspace, territory, civilian facilities and infrastructure constitute a blatant violation of international norms and conventions and a direct assault on the country’s sovereignty, security and stability.
He said Kuwait’s sovereignty is a red line protected by the will of its people and the courage of its men and women, adding that the country will not allow any state to threaten its security or stability.
He also called on the international community to take responsibility in condemning the aggression and ensuring respect for international law.
The Emir said the attacks targeting neighboring states are attacks on the security of the entire region and a direct threat to its stability and peace.
He stressed that the security of the Gulf Cooperation Council states is indivisible and that any violation of one member state’s sovereignty is a threat to the collective security of all.
Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad reaffirmed Kuwait’s solidarity with its neighbors and support for all measures taken to protect the sovereignty, security and stability of the region.
The Crown Prince also expressed gratitude to the leaders of sisterly and friendly countries for their messages condemning the Iranian aggression against Kuwait.
“These communications showed strong solidarity and support for Kuwait in defending its sovereignty and security and reflected the close ties of friendship and unity in facing threats to regional stability and the safety of its people,” Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad said.
