KUWAIT: As attacks escalate between the Zionist entity and Iran, raising alarms across the Middle East, Kuwait is reinforcing its telecommunications infrastructure to ensure service continuity and national readiness. Minister of State for Communication Affairs Omar Al-Omar convened a high-level emergency meeting on Sunday, bringing together senior officials from the Ministry of Communications, the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA), and representatives from Kuwait’s major telecom providers—Zain, Ooredoo, stc, and Virgin Mobile.

“This meeting is a continuation of the coordination efforts we began in recent days, in light of current regional developments,” said Al-Omar in a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA). “Ensuring the continuity of telecom services is a top priority at this stage. We are working to enhance coordination between government agencies, service providers, and both local and international telecom companies to prepare the country for any developments or emergencies.”

The push for emergency readiness follows three consecutive days of heavy fire exchanged between the Zionist entity and Iran, sparked by an unprovoked Zionist attack on Tehran on Friday night. Strikes, which targeted military and civilian infrastructure, have killed 13 people in the Zionist entity and 128 in Iran. The escalation has raised fears of a broader regional conflict that could impact Gulf nations, including Kuwait.

Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Communications Mishal Al-Zaid confirmed that the ministry had “raised its technical and field readiness” and was “monitoring the performance of the local network and fixed-line services in real-time” with telecom partners to ensure swift response to any disruptions.

Sheikh Athbi Jaber Al-Sabah, Acting Chairman of CITRA, outlined key proactive measures taken by the authority: “We’ve coordinated with global service providers to secure alternative routing paths and activated internet exchange points (IX) within Kuwait. These measures will enhance the stability of both local and international data flow and ensure uninterrupted telecom services.”

Digital government services are also part of the emergency continuity plan. Najat Ibrahim, Acting Director of the Central Agency for Information Technology (CAIT), said the agency is ensuring the “integration of government systems to meet current demands” and confirmed that operational plans are in place to maintain services “under all circumstances.” In essence, these steps are part of Kuwait’s broader effort to disaster-proof its telecom infrastructure—ensuring the continuity of internet, mobile, and government digital services even if regional conflicts disrupt key infrastructure elsewhere.

Telecom operators affirmed their full preparedness for various scenarios, citing infrastructure resilience, upgraded emergency centers, and advanced technical support plans. “We’re committed to continuous technical and operational coordination with government entities to guarantee service continuity and rapid response to any potential outages,” said representatives from the national telecom companies. The meeting ended with an agreement to continue regular coordination sessions and issue periodic status reports to maintain confidence in the country’s telecom readiness. — Agencies

KUWAIT: After the Zionist entity’s attack on Iran on Friday, which prompted swift retaliation and heightened regional tensions, Kuwaiti authorities have moved to reassure the public that local markets remain stable and essential supplies secure. Following high-level coordination meetings Saturday, the Emergency Committee at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry confirmed the country’s readiness to respond to “any changes” and “enhance the security of the local market,” according to a statement issued after the committee met under the chairmanship of Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Al-Ajeel.

“The strategic stockpile in the country is stable and safe and is sufficient to cover the needs of the local market for long periods,” the ministry stated. “Readiness indicators and reserves are subject to accurate periodic reviews that ensure full preparedness for any emergency.”

Kuwait’s proximity to Iran and its dependence on imports, especially for food and essential goods, have raised concerns among both expats and residents. According to Al Jazeera, although the entity’s strike on Iran and Tehran’s subsequent retaliation have fueled fears trade disruptions, merchant shipping is still passing through the Strait of Hormuz, but with increased caution. On Saturday, Kuwaiti officials emphasized that markets are functioning normally and supply chains remain unthreatened.

The committee reviewed fieldwork mechanisms, pre-established emergency plans, and logistics readiness across customs, port authorities, and regulatory bodies to guarantee the uninterrupted flow of basic commodities, even in the face of global or regional crises. Meanwhile, the General Administration of Customs confirmed its full readiness to secure the flow of vital supplies across border entry points. Customs Director General Suleiman Al-Fahad chaired a coordination meeting with senior customs officials on Saturday to reinforce protocols and accelerate the clearance of goods without compromising security. “Customs field teams are working around the clock,” the administration said.

“We are fully committed to protecting the security of customs ports, their integrity, and the economic security of the state.”

The Ministry of Commerce separately emphasized that market operations are proceeding normally and that “the level of strategic food stock in the country is very reassuring.” It called on the public to seek information only from official sources and warned it would take “all legal measures” against those promoting false or misleading information.

“We assure citizens and residents that basic foodstuffs are available in markets, retail outlets, and warehouses in a normal manner,” the ministry said. In line with these efforts, inspection teams continue to conduct routine visits to monitor inventory levels across warehouses and retailers, ensuring compliance and transparency.

Minister of Social Affairs and Family and Childhood Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwaila also confirmed that the cooperative sector is closely monitoring the availability of goods in coordination with relevant government agencies. “The strategic stockpile is stable and goods are available to meet consumers’ needs without any obstacles,” she said.

Authorities reiterated Kuwait’s institutional readiness to respond to regional events professionally and efficiently, without affecting consumer access to essential goods. “Thanks to its institutions and national competencies, the state possesses the readiness and plans necessary to face any emergency with professionalism and capability, without impacting market stability or the availability of basic goods for citizens and residents,” the Ministry of Commerce stated. — Agencies