Kuwait (TDI): The United States has suspended operations at its embassy in Kuwait City, citing growing security concerns as regional tensions escalate following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, the US State Department said on Thursday.
In a brief statement, the department confirmed that embassy operations were halted until further notice as the security situation in the Gulf deteriorates. It emphasized that the protection of US personnel and citizens abroad remains the government’s top priority.
The decision comes amid an expanding conflict between Iran and a US-Israel alliance that has triggered retaliatory attacks across the region. Iran has launched missiles and drones at military and strategic targets in several Gulf states, including Kuwait, raising fears that the confrontation may expand.
Iranian attacks targeting facilities in the country damaged infrastructure and caused casualties, while a missile strike earlier this week reportedly hit the area of the US embassy compound in Kuwait City.
Although no injuries among US embassy personnel have been reported, the State Department urged American citizens in Kuwait to leave the country if they can do so safely using commercial or other available transport. Those unable to depart were advised to shelter in place.
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“The Travel Advisory for Kuwait remains at a Level 3: Reconsider Travel. U.S. citizens should consult the most current Travel Advisory and country information at travel.state.gov.”
The embassy closure also comes as Washington accelerates efforts to evacuate American nationals from Middle East. The State Department said charter flights have been arranged to help thousands of US citizens wanting to leave the region.
Kuwait, a key US ally in the Gulf, hosts several American military facilities and has long served as an operational hub for US forces in the region. The country’s strategic location and close defense ties with Washington have placed it at the center of the ongoing conflict.
It is noteworthy that six American soldiers have been killed in an Iranian drone strike on a US military facility in Port Shuaiba in Kuwait.
For now, US officials have not indicated when the embassy in Kuwait might resume normal operations, saying the decision will depend on developments in the rapidly evolving regional security environment.
