AGP Executive Report

Strait of Hormuz Diplomacy: Kuwait’s foreign minister, Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, held Gulf calls with Bahrain, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman focused on free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as regional tensions keep shipping at the center of politics. US-Iran Maritime Escalation: Iran published video claiming it seized a modern U.S. undersea drone, underscoring how the Gulf’s military standoff is spilling into new domains beyond airstrikes. GCC-Iran Talks in Oman: GCC foreign ministers are expected to meet Iran’s top diplomat in Salalah, Oman, on Sept 14 to discuss a temporary shipping arrangement—though a full reopening still hinges on U.S.-Iran understandings. Kuwait Domestic Governance: A new Kuwait law aims to speed up court procedures and reduce case backlogs at the Court of Cassation by tackling judge shortages and inconsistent rulings. Education Updates: Kuwait is rolling out a credit-based secondary-school tracks system in 12 schools, and 1,071 middle school students took gifted identification tests ahead of new gifted schools. Regional Security at UN: GCC states at the UN condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and warned of direct threats to regional stability and freedom of navigation.

UN Diplomacy & Yemen: GCC states including Kuwait “strongly” condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and warned the rebels’ seizure of Yemen’s Red Sea port of Mokha threatens regional security and navigation, urging the UN Security Council to act and hold perpetrators accountable. Kuwait–Iraq–US Security Talks: Acting PM/Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef chaired meetings with Iraqi and US delegations on boosting security and defense coordination amid regional developments. Judicial Reform: A new judicial law is set to tackle Kuwait’s court backlog by speeding procedures and addressing causes behind the accumulation of appeals at the Court of Cassation. Education Overhaul: Kuwait is rolling out a credit-based secondary-school tracks system so failing a course won’t force a full-year repeat, alongside gifted-student identification tests for 1,071 middle schoolers. Civil Aviation Links: Kuwait’s civil aviation authority met Egypt and Saudi counterparts to expand cooperation and modernize operational aspects. Public Safety & Enforcement: Food inspectors destroyed 108.040kg of spoiled or adulterated products in Capital Governorate; separate incidents saw an 18-year-old assaulted in a fast-food restaurant and a domestic brawl leading to seizure of 20 bottles of imported liquor. Sports & Hosting: Kuwait submitted its bid to host the 2028 AFC Futsal Asian Cup and continues Gulf Cup preparations in Doha.

Kuwait–Syria Stance: Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s “illegal” entry into Syria’s Mount Hermon, calling it a breach of international law and urging the UN Security Council to act and halt attacks on Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Citizenship Revocations: Kuwait revoked the citizenship of six individuals under the Supreme Committee for Kuwaiti Citizenship Verification, with the decision published in the Official Gazette and effective from publication. Defense Appointments: Kuwait’s Defense Minister received newly appointed assistant undersecretaries for support services and technical affairs, following an Amiri Decree. Fire Safety Crackdown: Kuwait’s Public Fire Force shut 28 non-compliant facilities in Shuwaikh Industrial Area and issued closure warnings to others after inspections with Interior, Commerce, and environmental authorities. Hajj Preparations: The Awqaf Ministry said it is stepping up preparations for the 1448 AH Hajj season to improve services for Kuwaiti pilgrims, including coordination with Hajj campaign owners. Aviation Partnership: Jazeera Airways signed an MoU with Kuwait’s Association of Retired Officers to offer travel benefits and future cooperation. Regional Security Talk: Pakistan’s Foreign Office said the Makkah Defence Agreement is defensive and that expansion is not currently under consideration, while obligations would be met when needed. Energy/War Backdrop: Oil prices pushed above $100 amid US-Iran escalation and renewed shipping risks around the Strait of Hormuz, with Kuwait’s foreign-policy focus staying on sovereignty and international law.

Regional Security & Diplomacy: Kuwait’s Cabinet condemned repeated Iranian missile and drone attacks, calling them a grave breach of sovereignty and UN rules, and reaffirmed Kuwait’s right to self-defense while also denouncing Houthi strikes on Saudi civilian sites. GCC Solidarity: Qatar’s Cabinet echoed similar condemnation and stressed the safety of Red Sea navigation, while Kuwait also backed GCC moves to protect regional security and stability. Maritime Risk: With US-Iran tanker clashes escalating around Hormuz, Kuwait Petroleum Corp. said it is preparing for long trade-flow disruption and plans to boost its ship fleet to better control supplies. Foreign Policy: Kuwait welcomed a 12-nation initiative to restrict trade in goods from illegal Israeli settlements and reiterated support for a Palestinian state on June 4, 1967 borders. Public Administration & Law: Cabinet approved draft amendments to public-tenders law to speed, improve transparency, and increase flexibility; Education Ministry issued new school conduct rules banning donations, promotions, and unauthorized student data sharing, and limiting teachers’ mobile use. Local Incidents: Police reported a driver fleeing patrols in Mutlaa after a woman claimed kidnapping; investigators also arrested a suspect in a vehicle theft case and a retired citizen accused a military officer of KD 9,000 fraud. Economy & Society: Kuwait marked near-100% literacy progress; Kuwait University welcomed new faculty; Jazeera Airways pledged $2m to the Kuwait Emergency Response Fund. Sports & Culture: Youth and Sports Minister Al-Jalahma backed preparations for the Gulf Cup and announced plans for a dedicated training facility; Kuwait athletes placed third at the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Championship.

Regional Security: Kuwait condemned Iran’s missile attacks on Jordan, calling them a breach of sovereignty and international law, while Jordan said air defences intercepted 18 of 20 ballistic missiles with no casualties. Gulf Oversight: GCC supreme audit bodies met in Bahrain to deepen cooperation on oversight, training and joint research in auditing and accounting, with Kuwait represented by the State Audit Bureau. Energy & Shipping: Kuwait Petroleum Corp said it is offering ship-to-ship transfers outside the Strait of Hormuz when safe, as Iran-US clashes keep disrupting exports; the wider crisis is pushing Brent toward $100 and raising maritime insurance and tanker-risk costs. Kuwait Education Costs: Kuwait’s Education Ministry began issuing contract termination notices to 7,019 teachers via the Sahel app as part of a gradual restructuring to cut a KD42 million annual salary bill. Labour Protection: Kuwait’s Public Authority for Manpower enforced a midday work ban at exposed sites (11am-4pm) during summer months, citing repeated violations by 155 companies and 415 workers. Manpower & Heat Rules: The crackdown follows broader efforts to tie staffing and workplace rules to actual needs and safety. Diplomacy & Trade: Kuwait and Cuba opened talks on a double taxation agreement to boost trade and economic ties. Regional Tourism Integration: GCC leaders reiterated progress toward a unified tourist visa scheme for travel across member states, with Kuwait included.

US-Iran Maritime Escalation: The US Central Command says it destroyed five Iranian crude tankers after Iran’s IRGC twice tried to hit a US Navy warship with ballistic missiles; Iran then warned tanker crews near Kuwait and Bahrain to evacuate immediately, saying the ships could be targeted in retaliation. Kuwait Security & Courts: A Syrian man wanted over KD 500,000 in financial claims was arrested in Hawally; Kuwait’s Court of Appeals upheld prison sentences against former MP Mohammed Al-Mutair for insulting the Amir, spreading fake news, and insulting senior judicial figures. Interior/Police Actions: A Kuwaiti citizen was detained after allegedly assaulting two airport detectives during an anti-illegal taxi operation; authorities also continue crackdowns on unauthorized transport. Social & Education Policy: The Education Ministry requires financial clearance before issuing certificates or processing transfers; the Social Affairs minister ordered written exams for promotion in specialized cooperative oversight roles. Local Governance: Ahmadi Municipality removed illegal porta cabins, food trucks and an abandoned boat during hygiene and road-occupancy enforcement. Health & Development: MoH inaugurated a retinal and vitreoretinal surgery unit at Jahra Hospital after its first precision retinal operation; IICO wrapped up a KD 114,286 mental-health support project for people with disabilities. Energy/Procurement: CAPT postponed smart water meter tender bids to Sept 22, as Kuwait pushes digital monitoring for water services.

Kuwait–Iraq Diplomacy: Kuwait’s Deputy FM Hamad Al-Mashaan met Iraq’s FM Fuad Hussein in Cairo on Arab League sidelines, reviewing bilateral ties and regional developments. Commercial Enforcement: Kuwait’s Commercial Control Department sealed a Capital warehouse holding 588 prohibited items, referring the case to the Commercial Prosecution. Fire Safety Crackdown (Shuwaikh): Kuwait Fire Force inspections in Shuwaikh Industrial led to closures and warnings for 74 facilities over fire and safety violations. Education-to-Jobs Push: PAAET said it’s aligning training outcomes with labor-market needs, including cooperation with Customs on airport/railway/Shuwaikh Port-related programs. Regional Security Solidarity: Kuwait condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi civilian and economic sites, stressing Saudi security is integral to Kuwait and GCC stability. Air Travel Disruption: Air Arabia is operating a limited schedule from Kuwait’s Terminal 4 after damage to Terminal 1; passengers are urged to verify flight details. Oil & Shipping: Kuwait Petroleum Corp says it’s seeking more ships as crude exports recover via routes outside Hormuz, with buyers paying more for risk. US Posture Review: CNN reports US officials are discussing a possible long-term reduction of military and intelligence presence in West Asia if the Iran conflict ends. Middle East Geopolitics: The new Mecca Defense Alliance raises the question of whether it stays political or becomes operational, as Gulf states face renewed Iranian pressure.

Education & Jobs: Kuwait’s Ministry of Education begins a major teacher reshuffle, terminating 7,019 teachers (mostly Arabs) to cut a KD 42 million cost burden tied to a surplus of about 33,268 teachers. Public Safety & Enforcement: Traffic police arrested three reckless drivers after a video surfaced; their vehicles were crushed under a court order. Roads & Municipal Cleanliness: Public Works called for tighter field supervision of road maintenance, while Kuwait Municipality renewed its “Build, Don’t Destroy” push against dumping construction debris in streets and public areas. Environment & Health: The Environment Public Authority expanded air-quality monitoring, while the Kuwaiti Society for Earth Sciences urged coordinated action to tackle dust-driven pollution. Security & Crime: Interior Ministry announced arrests in two drug cases, including a Salmiya heroin haul of 163 bags and another operation seizing cocaine, hashish, and psychotropic pills plus a firearm. Civil Rights: A Court of Appeals ruling overturned a disability decision, granting a citizen a certificate for moderate, permanent visual impairment. Regional Diplomacy: Kuwait’s foreign ministry delegation joined the Arab League Council session in Cairo to address Iranian attacks and the Palestinian issue. Business & Investment: KDIPA reiterated Kuwait’s push to engage in global investment forums at Dubai’s AIM Summit. Residency Rules: Kuwait amended foreigners’ residence regulations to grant 10-year fee-free permits to people whose citizenship was revoked and their dependents, with conditions on returning or acquiring new nationality.

Kuwait Residency Overhaul: Kuwait amended the six-month absence rule, allowing certain residency holders—such as former Kuwaiti citizens granted residency, foreign children of Kuwaiti women, foreign spouses, and qualifying investors/property owners—to stay abroad longer, with conditions tied to valid residency and new exemptions. Citizenship & Residency Adjustments: Kuwait also issued a 10-year residency framework for some people whose citizenship was revoked under “supreme interests” provisions, including fee rules and permission to stay outside Kuwait beyond six months. Legal Crackdown on Politics Online: Kuwait’s Court of Cassation upheld prison sentences for former MPs in cases tied to broadcasting false news and malicious rumors on social media, rejecting “permissible criticism” arguments. Cooperative Sector Hiring: Social Affairs began interviews for 200 Kuwaiti candidates seeking supervisory roles in the cooperative sector, aiming to fill 90 posts. Security Campaign: The Interior Ministry ran a large-scale security drive in the Capital Governorate with 257 arrests/violations, traffic actions, and food-safety enforcement. Regional Shock From Iran-US Tensions: Reports say Iran launched fresh attacks targeting US bases in Kuwait and the UAE, while oil prices rose amid Hormuz supply disruption fears. Tech & Youth: Kuwait’s Dawraty secured a $2m seed round for AI-powered institutional learning, and KFAS-backed youth tech competitions drew 180 contestants. Sports Diplomacy: Youth and Sports Minister Al-Jalahma honored Kuwaiti athletes and students who represented the country abroad. Education Policy: Education issued rules for transferring eligible Arab students into Arabic as a Foreign Language classes via an electronic process. FDI/Investment Signals: Government consultations point to wider FDI liberalisation in plantation sectors, with officials citing examples like banana.

Citizenship & Residency Overhaul: Kuwait’s Interior Ministry published new rules granting up to 10-year residency for some people whose citizenship was revoked under Article 13(4), including those who regained their original nationality or obtained another citizenship, with updated fee and family sponsorship conditions. Legal & Political Accountability: Kuwait’s Court of Cassation upheld prison sentences in political cases tied to social media posts, including convictions for broadcasting false news and malicious rumors, while also rejecting “permissible criticism” arguments. Security Campaigns: The Interior Ministry reported a major security sweep with 257 arrests and violations, plus separate operations in Salmiya and Amghara that included a heroin seizure (163 sachets) and arrests over residency, labor and diesel theft violations. Education & Workforce Moves: Teachers and admin staff began the 2026/27 school year, while the Social Affairs Ministry started interviews for supervisory cooperative-sector roles ahead of filling 90 positions. Public Services & Data Updates: PACI said 555 residents’ addresses were deleted and must be re-registered within 30 days to avoid fines. Regional & Energy Context: OPEC+ kept October oil output unchanged amid US-Iran tensions affecting Strait of Hormuz traffic. Innovation & Youth: KFAS’s Sabah Al-Ahmad Center wrapped tech competitions for young innovators, and KUNA launched advanced training for news editing and economic data work.

Kuwait Electricity Update: Power was fully restored after a technical malfunction knocked out several main transformer stations, causing outages in Hawalli and Mubarak Al-Kabeer; emergency teams were deployed and residents were urged to conserve electricity until repairs finished. Residency Rules for Citizenship Loss: Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior issued amendments creating a new up-to-10-year regular residency route for people whose Kuwaiti citizenship was withdrawn under Article 13/Clause 4, if they returned to their original nationality or obtained another; the change also exempts them from annual residency fees and adjusts the six-month absence rule. Labour Compliance Guidance: PAM urged workers to use the right channel—labour complaints for rights disputes via the Labour Relations Unit/Ashal service, versus “Report Me” for observed labour-law violations under PAM oversight, with confidentiality stressed. Border Enforcement: Kuwait Customs at Nuwaiseeb seized about 43.5kg of suspected chewing tobacco derivatives hidden in a vehicle’s rear paneling and referred the driver and goods for legal procedures. Regional Security & Iran War Fallout: Kuwait again faced the wider US-Iran escalation, with reports of Iranian strikes and Kuwait documenting attacks; the Strait of Hormuz disruption and tanker targeting continued to drive regional alarm and energy-market jitters. Municipal Cooperation: Kuwait is participating in the Arab Towns Organization Executive Council and General Conference in Oman, focusing on innovative and sustainable city governance. Public Safety: Kuwait’s traffic authorities arrested a reckless driver after a drifting video went viral and ordered the vehicle crushed as a deterrent.

Iran–US Escalation: The US says it destroyed three Iran-linked oil tankers after Iran targeted US warships, with CENTCOM warning of further “economic cost” and Iran threatening retaliation as the Strait of Hormuz remains severely disrupted. Kuwait Security & Diplomacy: Kuwait condemned Iranian missile/drone attacks and Iran’s strikes were also reported as targeting Kuwait; meanwhile Kuwait and Russia discussed boosting security and emergency cooperation, including drones, AI and early-warning systems. Future Generations Fund Borrowing: Kuwait’s government approved a decree-law allowing regulated borrowing from the Future Generations Fund, with experts urging restraint to protect the fund’s solvency. Charity Regulation: The Social Affairs minister said Kuwait’s charity is a national legacy and backed a draft decree-law to strengthen oversight and financial disclosure for charitable work. Crime & Public Safety: Kuwait arrested an Egyptian expatriate over alleged forged salary certificates; police also nabbed a suspect in a KD 200,000 investment scam and are hunting a second. Road Enforcement: Traffic authorities arrested a reckless driver and crushed the impounded vehicle; a separate move starts home vehicle impoundment for certain violations. Juvenile Crime Down: Juvenile crimes fell 48% in the first half of 2026, with traffic-related cases down 63%. Business & Economy: Burgan Bank launched a rights issue up to KD 50m; KCCI pushed for stronger trade and investment ties with Lesotho.

Arab League Diplomacy: Kuwait joined the 166th Arab League Council session in Cairo, where Tunisia took over the presidency from Bahrain and the agenda centered on Iranian attacks on Arab states, the Palestinian cause, and Syria, Sudan, Lebanon, Yemen and Libya. Justice & Youth Crime: Kuwait’s Justice Minister said tougher laws helped cut juvenile crimes in the first half of 2026, with traffic-related cases down 63% year-on-year. Charity Regulation: Kuwait’s Social Affairs Minister backed a draft decree-law to regulate charitable and humanitarian work, saying oversight will protect giving and ensure aid reaches beneficiaries. Kuwait’s Security Fallout: Iran’s missile and drone attacks were reported targeting US-linked sites, while Kuwait condemned the strikes as a threat to sovereignty and said air defenses intercepted incoming threats. Regional Energy Tensions: Reports said explosions near Iran’s Kharg Island oil hub and claims of a US strike on an Iranian tanker, as Hormuz shipping remains under strain. Finance & Markets: Kuwait International Bank priced its inaugural $500m senior sukuk. International Culture: Kuwait’s envoy highlighted DAI’s Al-Sabah artifacts in a Mughal exhibition at a US museum.

Iran-US Escalation Watch: U.S. intelligence reports say Iran is growing more confident in its ability to strike across the Middle East and may be weighing a bigger escalation, with officials warning a full end to the conflict looks hard to reach. Kuwait Under Fire: Kuwait’s army said it intercepted Iranian missile and drone attacks, while the Arab League condemned the latest strikes on Kuwait and warned against violations of Arab states’ sovereignty. War-Label Politics: U.S. President Trump and VP JD Vance kept downplaying the Iran conflict as “not a war,” calling it “small potatoes” and stressing “intermittent” fighting—despite renewed exchanges. Doctrine Shift: Iran’s army announced a move toward preemptive operations, signaling readiness for broader retaliation. Strait of Hormuz Pressure: Vance said the U.S. is using “everything on the table” to stop attacks on commercial shipping through Hormuz. Local Enforcement: Kuwait’s MoI dismantled a diesel theft network, arresting 41 suspects and seizing 38 vehicles. Food Safety Crackdown: Hawally inspections by Kuwait’s food authority issued 32 violation reports and ordered destruction of seized items. Diplomatic/Regional Ties: EU and GCC leaders will meet in Saudi Arabia on Oct. 24 for the second EU-GCC summit. Humanitarian Case: India’s embassy in Kuwait helped rescue a Tamil Nadu domestic worker after torture and unpaid-wage allegations surfaced online.

Iran-US Escalation and Kuwait: Iran fired missiles and drones at Kuwait again, with Kuwait’s Defence Ministry saying air defences intercepted the attacks and Kuwait condemned the strikes as a grave breach of international law. The renewed exchange follows US strikes tied to the wider Iran campaign, while Vice President JD Vance insisted Washington is investigating a deadly Iranian wedding strike and said the conflict isn’t a “war,” even as oil prices and shipping risk stay elevated. Regional Diplomacy: Bahrain and Qatar both condemned the attacks on Kuwait and urged deterrent action through the UN system, while Kuwait also reiterated its right to defend itself. Kuwait Domestic Response: Kuwait’s Ministry of Health shut down four private clinics over licensing violations, including cases involving unapproved operation or subleasing. Education and Identity: Kuwait added the Iranian attacks to its Class 10 history curriculum, documenting strikes and Kuwait’s response in the national textbook. Business/Travel Fallout: Renewed tensions are disrupting flights across the Gulf, with Kuwait and nearby airports seeing delays and cancellations.

Iran-US Escalation in Kuwait: Kuwait says it intercepted Iranian missile and drone attacks, calling them a grave breach of sovereignty and warning of a direct threat to residents, as Iran claimed it struck US bases in Kuwait and the UAE and vowed retaliation after a reported US strike on a wedding in Iran. US Investigation & Messaging: US Vice President JD Vance told reporters Washington is investigating the wedding reports but said he “wouldn’t call it a war,” adding major combat operations were limited while clashes continue. Diplomatic Pushback: Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks under UN Charter and Security Council references, while Qatar also condemned renewed Iranian strikes on Kuwait and urged an immediate halt and return to dialogue. Local Enforcement: Kuwait’s Interior Ministry arrested four in two narcotics cases, and the Health Ministry cancelled a private clinic’s license after it was found to be subleased and operated by others. Education & Identity Cases: Education approved a new secondary “tracks” system in 12 schools, while nationality investigators pursued a decades-old citizenship fraud case tied to a DNA sample and alleged identity impersonation. Public Life: Kuwait’s MoH and manpower guidance continued focus on outdoor worker heat safety, and the Court Fees Department reported KD 4.46m collected in June.