Kuwait Foreign Ministry voices solidarity with Iran following the catastrophe at Port explosion
On a mournful Monday, a cluster of ambassadors accredited to Kuwait, along with local citizens, paid a somber visit to the Iranian Embassy. The purpose: to express condolences after a devastating catastrophe at Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas, Iran, which took several lives and injured hundreds more.
In a show of solidarity, Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs, Ambassador Sameeh Hayat, penned a message in the embassy's condolence book on behalf of Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya, Deputy Foreign Minister Sheikh Jareh Al-Jaber, and all staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The message read:
"We send our heartfelt condolences and show solidarity to the Islamic Republic of Iran – its government and people – over this heartbreaking incident at Bandar Abbas Port, which claimed the lives of many innocent souls and left hundreds wounded. We pray for the rapid recovery of the injured and continued safety of the Islamic Republic."
Iran's Ambassador to Kuwait, Mohammad Totonji, expressed sorrow over the disaster, calling it a "grim tragedy" that took the lives of numerous technicians and employees at the port. He confirmed that investigations were ongoing to determine the cause, with preliminary evidence suggesting flaws in the implementation of safety protocols.
Ambassador Totonji also extended his gratitude for the condolences shared by His Highness the Amir, the Crown Prince, the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and various prominent figures. He acknowledged this compassionate display of camaraderie as an essential means to alleviate the pain of the tragedy and underscore the unbreakable bond between the Kuwaiti and Iranian people, quoting the old adage: "Neighbor before house."
Regarding the ongoing indirect discussions between Iran and the United States, Totonji reported positive progress. He disclosed that the third round of these talks was recently held in Muscat, under Omani mediation, focusing primarily on Iran's nuclear program and the removal of sanctions. He reaffirmed Iran's commitment to international agreements and aspirations to sustain non-violent activities.
Other diplomats extended their condolences as well. Palestinian Ambassador Rami Tahboub, Iraqi Ambassador Al-Manhal Al-Safi, and Lebanese Charge d'Affaires Ahmad Arfa all shared their sorrow and prayers for the Iranian people.
Russian Ambassador Vladimir Zheltov offered his condolences, saying, "We are profoundly saddened by this unfortunate incident and stand united with the Iranian people during these challenging times." He added that Russian-Iranian relations remain steadfast and have attained strategic heights.
Italian Ambassador Lorenzo Morini also conveyed his sympathies, stating, "We share in the pain of the victims' families, who sacrificed their lives for duty. We feel obliged to stand beside them in these trying times and offer our moral support."
As of the latest reports, the explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas has resulted in significant casualties, with over a thousand reported injuries and at least 28 confirmed deaths[1]. The exact cause remains unknown, with indications suggesting poorly stored chemicals could be responsible. Investigations continue, and updates will be available through official sources or news agencies[1].
- Ambassador Sameeh Hayat, on behalf of Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya, Deputy Foreign Minister Sheikh Jareh Al-Jaber, and all staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, penned a message in Iran's Embassy's condolence book, expressing solidarity and condolences over the accident at Bandar Abbas Port.
- In addition to the condolences expressed by Ambassador Totonji, Palestinian Ambassador Rami Tahboub, Iraqi Ambassador Al-Manhal Al-Safi, Lebanese Charge d'Affaires Ahmad Arfa, Russian Ambassador Vladimir Zheltov, and Italian Ambassador Lorenzo Morini also shared their sorrow and prayers for the Iranian people.
- Iran's Ambassador to Kuwait, Mohammad Totonji, acknowledged the compassionate display of camaraderie as an essential means to alleviate the pain of the tragedy with a reference to the old adage: "Neighbor before house."
