Iranian escalation toward Kuwait; FM demands immediate release of 4 detained citizens
TEHRAN, May 13 (YPA) – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi escalated his tone toward Kuwait on Wednesday, demanding the immediate release of four Iranian citizens who were detained following a maritime operation that has sparked widespread controversy in the Gulf region.
In a post on the “X” platform, Araghchi stated that Kuwaiti forces had “illegally intercepted an Iranian boat” and detained four Iranians, characterizing the move as “a clear attempt to sow seeds of discord and destabilize the region.”
He noted that “this illegal move took place near an island used by the United States to attack Iran,” stressing Tehran’s “demand for the immediate release of the Iranian citizens, while reserving the right to respond.”
In clear attempt to sow discord, Kuwait has unlawfully attacked an Iranian boat and detained 4 of our citizens in the Persian Gulf. This illegal act took place near island used by the U.S. to attack Iran.
We demand immediate release of our nationals and reserve right to respond.
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) May 13, 2026
Conversely, the Iranian Foreign Ministry had called on Kuwait to avoid “hasty statements and unproven accusations,” and to return to official diplomatic channels to address the issue. It also demanded that the Iranian consulate in Kuwait be granted access to the detainees and that they be released without delay.
It is noteworthy that the Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior announced on Tuesday the arrest of four Iranians who were on a boat at sea, alleging that “they intended to carry out hostile acts.”
YPA