Iran and Kuwait hold first ministerial call since six-week war

Published June 18th, 2026 - 05:33 GMT
Iran and Kuwait hold first ministerial call since six-week war
This handout picture provided by the Kuwaiti news agency KUNA shows Kuwait's Foreign Minister Abdullah al-Yahya (R) receiving Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Kuwait City on October 22, 2024. AFP
Highlights
The call comes after months of strained relations following the six-week conflict between Iran and the United States, during which Kuwait was directly affected by Iranian retaliatory attacks targeting US-linked military and energy infrastructure.

ALBAWABA- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Kuwaiti counterpart, Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, held their first publicly reported phone conversation since the six-week Iran-US conflict, signaling a tentative effort to rebuild relations following Iranian strikes on Kuwaiti territory and US-linked infrastructure earlier this year.

According to official statements, the two ministers discussed the recently signed US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and broader regional developments, with both sides emphasizing diplomacy as a pathway toward restoring stability in the Gulf.

Araghchi stressed the importance of maintaining dialogue with Gulf countries to address misunderstandings and strengthen regional cooperation. He expressed hope that the US-Iran agreement would contribute to improving security and reducing tensions across the region.

For his part, Sheikh Jarrah welcomed the potential of the agreement to promote regional stability, safeguard freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, and encourage sustainable political solutions to outstanding disputes.

The Kuwaiti foreign minister also reiterated Kuwait's commitment to international law, respect for national sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. He further emphasized the need to end support for proxy groups and prevent future regional escalation.

The call comes after months of strained relations following the six-week conflict between Iran and the United States, during which Kuwait was directly affected by Iranian retaliatory attacks targeting US-linked military and energy infrastructure.
Beginning in late February, Iran launched a series of missile and drone strikes against sites associated with the US military presence in Kuwait, including areas near Ali Al Salem Air Base, Camp Arifjan, and Port Shuaiba.

Kuwait's energy sector was also impacted, with attacks targeting the Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery and related oil infrastructure, causing fires and operational disruptions. In early June, strikes reportedly damaged parts of Kuwait International Airport, resulting in casualties and damage to civilian facilities.

Iran described the attacks as part of a broader strategy targeting US allies and military assets across the Gulf in response to American and Israeli operations against Iranian interests. Kuwait, meanwhile, intercepted numerous incoming drones and missiles but sustained damage to key infrastructure.

The phone call takes place shortly after the US-Iran MOU established a 60-day negotiation period, reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, and outlined a framework for future discussions on sanctions relief and regional security.

While Gulf states have cautiously welcomed the agreement as a step toward de-escalation, many continue to seek assurances against future attacks and greater commitments from Tehran regarding regional stability.