Kuwait has ordered two members of Iran’s diplomatic mission to leave the country within 24 hours following a deadly attack on Kuwait International Airport that killed one person and injured dozens of others.
The move marks a sharp escalation in tensions between the two countries after Kuwaiti authorities blamed Iran for the strike, which targeted a passenger terminal at the airport.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Deputy Foreign Minister Hamad Suleiman Al-Mashaan summoned Iran’s chargé d’affaires in Kuwait, Hamed Hamid Yaqoubi Far, to formally protest what it described as continued Iranian attacks.
According to the ministry, the Iranian diplomat was handed an official protest note informing Tehran of Kuwait’s decision to reduce the size of the Iranian Embassy staff and declare two members of the diplomatic mission persona non grata.
The officials have been instructed to leave Kuwaiti territory within a maximum period of 24 hours.
The diplomatic action follows an attack earlier on Wednesday that struck Kuwait International Airport, killing one person and injuring at least 63 others.
The incident has heightened concerns about the widening regional conflict involving Iran, the United States and their allies across the Gulf region.
Kuwaiti authorities have strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a violation of the country’s sovereignty and security.
While Iran has not immediately responded to Kuwait’s latest diplomatic measures, the decision to expel embassy personnel represents one of the strongest actions taken by Kuwait since tensions escalated in the region.
The latest development adds to growing fears that the conflict could further destabilise the Gulf, with regional governments increasingly concerned about attacks on civilian infrastructure and the broader security implications for neighbouring states.
Analysts say Kuwait’s response signals its determination to hold Tehran accountable while reinforcing its position alongside regional and international partners seeking to contain the crisis.
