At the opening of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 26, Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah delivered a comprehensive address highlighting the challenges facing Kuwait and the broader Gulf region amid ongoing regional tensions. Representing His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince focused on regional security, sovereignty, and Kuwait’s foreign policy priorities.
He accused Iran of engaging in hostile actions since February, targeting Kuwait, other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, and Jordan despite their non-involvement in the wider conflict. These actions included ballistic and cruise missile strikes, drone attacks, and interference with maritime navigation. The Crown Prince described these as clear violations of international law, international humanitarian law, and the UN Charter. Iranian attacks have reportedly threatened vital civilian infrastructure such as Kuwait International Airport, power and water facilities, and oil installations, resulting in casualties and extensive material damage.
The Crown Prince also condemned Iran’s efforts to obstruct navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandab, emphasizing the implications for global trade and oil markets. Kuwait called for upholding freedom of navigation in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Highlighting support for relevant UN Security Council resolutions, Kuwait reaffirmed the right of states to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter and expressed appreciation for countries backing efforts to halt the aggression.
On diplomatic fronts, Kuwait welcomed mediation initiatives by Qatar and Pakistan aimed at de-escalation and a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Emphasizing the need for sustainable regional understandings, the Crown Prince called for respect for sovereignty, non-interference, an end to support for proxies and militias, and adherence to principles of good-neighborliness.
Turning to bilateral relations, the Crown Prince stressed Kuwait’s commitment to strengthening ties with Iraq, particularly in resolving outstanding concerns such as maritime boundary demarcation beyond Marker 162 and cooperation on security arrangements. Kuwait also called for progress in addressing the fate of Kuwaiti prisoners and missing persons linked to the 1990 Iraqi invasion.
On the Palestinian issue, Kuwait reiterated condemnation of Israeli violations and settlement activity, calling for full implementation of the comprehensive peace plan detailed in UN Security Council Resolution 2803. Kuwait urged the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, uninterrupted humanitarian aid, and the return of the Palestinian Authority to govern the Strip, underscoring Gaza’s integral status within the occupied Palestinian territories. The Crown Prince welcomed international measures to sanction settlement activities and reaffirmed support for establishing an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Kuwait also addressed other regional crises, expressing support for UN-led political settlements in Yemen, Sudan, Somalia, and Libya while emphasizing respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Crown Prince condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, linking the security of Saudi Arabia with that of Kuwait and the GCC states. Regarding Syria, Kuwait supported efforts to restore sovereignty and rebuild state institutions, while condemning Israeli military actions as violations of existing ceasefire agreements. On Lebanon, Kuwait stressed the importance of state authority over its territory and the disarmament of militias, along with the requirement to implement UN resolutions and ensure withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied areas.
In his concluding remarks, the Crown Prince presented Kuwait’s foreign policy as grounded in moderation, multilateralism, adherence to international law, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. He highlighted Kuwait’s development initiatives nationally, including Kuwait Vision 2035, and its international development assistance through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development. Reflecting on Kuwait’s historical experiences with occupation and conflict, he emphasized the imperative of justice, dialogue, and respect for sovereignty as foundational to long-term regional stability.
“Just peace is the path to stability,” he stated, reaffirming Kuwait’s ongoing commitment to promoting dialogue, cooperation, and justice as essential components for strengthening international peace and security.