Kuwait facilitates the transit of thousands stranded by Israel-Iran conflict
KUWAIT CITY, June 19: In response to escalating regional tensions triggered by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, Kuwait has stepped in to assist approximately 30,000 travelers stranded due to suspended air traffic. Since last Friday, these travelers — many of different nationalities — have entered Kuwait through the Abdali border crossing, with numbers continuing to rise.
According to security sources cited by Al-Rai, Kuwait's Ministry of Interior, under the directives of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, is actively working to facilitate the entry and return of stranded individuals. The operation includes Kuwaitis, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals, and Arab, European, and Asian citizens who have been unable to leave Iran or Iraq due to halted air travel.
A structured mechanism has been implemented, allowing travelers to cross from Iran's Shalamcheh port into Iraq, then through the Safwan and Abdali land ports, and onwards to their home countries via Kuwait International Airport or through Nuwaiseeb and Salmi border crossings.
For humanitarian purposes, Minister Al-Yousef has authorized a seven-day transit visa for GCC residents holding valid travel tickets, enabling them to pass through Kuwait. Additionally, some European citizens have been granted special entry to facilitate their return via the airport.
Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Major General Ali Al-Adwani has also instructed that all humanitarian services be extended to support the safe and efficient movement of stranded travelers. The Abdali crossing has become a hub of logistical activity, with border and customs officials operating around the clock.
Coordination is underway with GCC embassies to evacuate citizens before they arrive at Abdali. The Kuwaiti government has deployed approximately 40 buses to transport travelers from the Safwan crossing to Abdali, streamlining their onward transit.
'All relevant personnel are working at full capacity,' the sources confirmed, 'to ensure travelers can safely and easily reach their destinations with the support and care they need.'
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya reaffirmed Kuwait's commitment to the 'safe and speedy' return of Kuwaiti citizens currently in Iran. In an interview with Al-Akhbar TV, Al-Yahya emphasized that no injuries or infections among nationals have been reported since Israel began a major military campaign against Iran last Friday.
'The safety of our citizens abroad is our top priority,' he said. 'We have begun tallying Kuwaiti nationals in Tehran, Mashhad, and Qom, and are arranging their evacuation through the closest exit points.'
Evacuations are being coordinated through land crossings into Iraq, with citizens transported back to Kuwait via secure routes. Additional efforts include moving groups through Turkmenistan and its capital to arrange further repatriation.
Al-Yahya noted ongoing coordination with neighboring states to ensure smooth passage and expressed hope for the safe return of all citizens. He also highlighted Kuwait's role, as current chair of the GCC, in convening a virtual ministerial meeting last Saturday. The meeting concluded with a joint statement condemning the Israeli military operations and urging de-escalation and a return to negotiations.
Kuwait is also monitoring potential radioactive fallout as a precaution, with current indicators remaining stable.
Regarding consular support, Al-Yahya said Kuwait's diplomatic mission in Tehran is active, while other GCC countries operate additional consulates in Mashhad and Qom. This Gulf-wide coordination is ensuring comprehensive coverage for citizens across affected areas.
'We operate as a unified team,' he concluded, 'providing direct support to Gulf nationals wherever they are.'
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