Kuwait-Iran diplomatic row could have wide-ranging impact
Kuwait's expulsion of Iranian diplomats over the Abdali terror cell case may affect domestic politics, business deals and Iranian relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Kuwait expelled Iran’s ambassador and 14 other Iranian diplomats July 20 and ordered the shutdown of Tehran’s cultural and military missions in the oil-rich Persian Gulf country. Iranian officials called the decision “reprehensible” and filed a complaint with the Kuwaiti charge d'affaires; Tehran has maintained its ambassador in Kuwait City.
Given Kuwait’s track record as a “neutral” state that avoids confrontations and cooperates with all neighboring countries, most recently illustrated by the Kuwaiti emir’s providing a diplomatic back channel between parties involved in the Qatar crisis, the expulsions took many by surprise. The bold move, which certainly marked a reversal in Kuwait's efforts earlier this year to defuse tension between Tehran and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members, was likely aimed at demonstrating Kuwait’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia at a time when Riyadh has been stepping up pressure on Qatar and other Arab states to distance themselves from Tehran.
