Kuwait city: Kuwait declared two Iranian diplomats 'persona non grata' on Wednesday following Iranian drone and ballistic missile attacks on its territory, which also struck a terminal at its international airport.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry announced via the US social media platform X that Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Hamad Suleiman Al-Mishaan summoned Hamid Hamid Yaqoubi Far, the acting charge d'affaires of the Iranian Embassy in Kuwait. Al-Mishaan handed him a protest note that included a decision to reduce the Iranian embassy staff.
The statement specified that the Iranian diplomats declared persona non grata must leave Kuwait within 24 hours. Al-Mashaan conveyed Kuwait's condemnation of the Iranian attacks and reaffirmed Kuwait's stance against the use of its territory or airspace for hostile actions against any state.
The statement further emphasized that Iran's claims are unfounded and lack evidence, and reiterated that such allegations cannot justify attacks on Kuwaiti territory and its civilian infrastructure. Al-Mashaan highlighted Kuwait's right to defend itself and take necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and security.
Kuwaiti authorities reported that the attacks resulted in one fatality, 63 injuries, and damage to key facilities, including diplomatic missions. They stressed Kuwait's right to respond to the attacks. The Kuwait News Agency reported that Prime Minister Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah visited the airport following the attack.
Regional tensions have risen since late February following US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, which resulted in the deaths of over 3,000 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior officials. A ceasefire, brokered by Pakistan, took effect on April 8, and efforts to reach a broader agreement continue.
US President Donald Trump, in an interview aired Wednesday, announced that Iran has agreed not to develop a nuclear weapon and that Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is engaged in negotiations with the US.