Kuwait holds third day of emergency meetings as regional unrest escalates

Kuwait Times

16-06-2025

Officials reassure public while keeping details of contingency plans under wraps
KUWAIT: For the third day in a row, senior Kuwaiti officials have convened emergency meetings in response to the escalating conflict between Iran and the Zionist entity, assuring that essential services are secure and the country remains prepared for any scenario.
On Saturday evening, HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah chaired a meeting of the Supreme Defense Council at Bayan Palace, where senior ministers and security officials reviewed the latest regional developments and discussed Kuwait's precautionary measures. 'The council reviewed key regional developments and received briefings from ministers and top state officials on the preparedness of relevant agencies and the precautionary steps taken to confront all possible scenarios,' the government said in an official statement.
While officials have not disclosed details of the emergency plans, they emphasized that all government bodies are operating in coordination to ensure the continuity of services and the security of citizens and residents. 'All entities are working to secure basic services, ensure the availability of all necessary supplies, and facilitate the continuity of public services, with the goal of preserving security and stability in the country,' the statement added.
Minister of Social Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwaila convens a meeting with undersecretaries to review the strategic stockpile of essential goods.
The heightened state of alert follows a dramatic surge in regional tensions. On Friday, the Zionist entity launched an unprecedented series of airstrikes on Iranian territory, targeting nuclear, military and civilian infrastructure. According to Iranian officials, the strikes have so far killed 128, including senior Revolutionary Guard commanders and children. Iran and the Zionist entity have exchanged strikes since then, with Iranian attacks killing 13 people in the Zionist entity. The escalation has raised fears of a broader regional conflict that could impact Gulf nations, including Kuwait.
In response, multiple Kuwaiti institutions have held emergency meetings to assess readiness. On Sunday, Minister of Social Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah convened a broad meeting with ministry undersecretaries to review the strategic stockpile of essential goods and assess the readiness of affiliated sectors. 'The meeting focused on institutional readiness in light of current and potential challenges, and ways to enhance proactive planning to support Kuwait's social safety net,' the ministry said. 'Strategic inventory levels and future planning mechanisms were reviewed to ensure continued stability and responsiveness.'
The meeting follows a statement released by the minister on Sunday, in which she confirmed that the cooperative sector is closely monitoring the availability of goods in coordination with relevant government agencies. 'The strategic stockpile is stable and goods are available to meet consumers' needs without any obstacles,' she said.
On the environmental front, Acting Director-General of the Environment Public Authority Nouf Behbehani confirmed that Kuwait is 'closely monitoring the environmental impacts of regional developments,' and that a comprehensive assessment is underway to detect and respond to any cross-border environmental risks.
Her remarks come amid international concern after Zionist airstrikes targeted Iranian nuclear facilities. While no radiation leaks have been detected, global experts and agencies have warned of potential risks if the escalation continues. 'The authority is coordinating with relevant official bodies and remains committed to providing accurate environmental information and taking appropriate measures as needed,' Behbehani said.
Similarly, the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources held an internal session to review its own contingency plans. Director-General Salem Al-Hai emphasized that all departments are 'fully prepared to deal with any emergency' and highlighted the authority's commitment to reinforcing national resilience in food security and agricultural services. Despite repeated official reassurances, the government has yet to publicly share the full scope of its emergency planning. However, the pace of back-to-back meetings and continuous public updates reflects a coordinated national effort to remain vigilant as the regional situation unfolds. — Agencies