Kuwaiti FM: Arab League Has Failed to Keep Pace with Rapid Challenges

KUNA – Kuwait’s Foreign Minister, Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, on Sunday renewed the State of Kuwait’s condemnation and denunciation, in the strongest possible terms, of the "brutal Iranian aggression" against Kuwait and the region. He described the systematic targeting from Iranian territory as a "blatant assault" on Kuwaiti sovereignty and a violation of international law, international humanitarian law, and the UN Charter.

Presiding over Kuwait’s delegation at the 165th Ordinary Session of the Arab League Council at the ministerial level—held virtually via video conference—Sheikh Jarrah stated that the Iranian aggression has resulted in martyrs, injuries, and the endangerment of citizens, residents, and residential areas, as well as the destruction of vital civilian infrastructure.

Regional Threats and Proxy Escalation

The Foreign Minister highlighted the expanding scope of Iranian aggression, noting attacks launched by Iranian-aligned Iraqi factions and militias using missiles and drones against Kuwait and several Arab nations. He commended the measures pledged by the Iraqi government to halt these hostile acts and expressed hope that such efforts would succeed in the near future.

Sheikh Jarrah also addressed recent attempts to destabilize internal security and incite chaos across several Arab states. He praised Kuwaiti security forces for successfully dismantling three terrorist cells linked to the "terrorist organization Hezbollah," thwarting Iranian plots to carry out subversive acts within Kuwait.

"These Iranian practices remain a flagrant violation of international law and an unjustifiable act of naked aggression," Sheikh Jarrah emphasized. "What we are witnessing is not a passing escalation, but a systematic pattern of regional destabilization led by Iran, employing chaos and terrorism as tools of influence. This necessitates a firm international stance and deterrent measures to ensure international peace and security."

Right to Self-Defense

The Foreign Minister asserted Kuwait’s "full and inherent right to self-defense" in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, affirming that the state will take all necessary measures to defend its sovereignty, territory, and people.

Critique of the Arab League

In a candid assessment of regional diplomacy, Sheikh Jarrah remarked that successive experiences have exposed the "limited effectiveness" of the joint Arab action framework within the Arab League.

• Systemic Failure: He noted that despite its symbolic status, the League has shown a "clear inability" to keep pace with rapid challenges or play an influential role in safeguarding Arab security.

• Urgent Reform: He called for a comprehensive restructuring to enhance decision-making mechanisms and establish more effective executive tools.

• GCC Role: The Minister lamented this institutional shortcoming, noting that GCC countries remain at the forefront of supporting Arab and Islamic causes, emphasizing the need for the institutional framework to match these efforts.

Future Negotiations with Iran

Concluding his address, Sheikh Jarrah stressed the necessity of including regional countries—particularly those directly affected by Iran’s aggressive behavior—in any future negotiation tracks with the Islamic Republic of Iran. He argued that regional states must be central to shaping any vision related to the security and stability of the region.