Emir of Kuwait

Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah became Emir of Kuwait in December 2023 following the death of his brother, Emir Nawaf Al-Ahmad. Kuwait has been one of the most heavily targeted Gulf States during the Iran conflict, with Mina al-Ahmadi oil refinery struck three times, Kuwait International Airport hit four times, and a desalination plant damaged. Sheikh Mishal publicly condemned the strikes as attacks on Kuwaiti sovereignty.

The Emir is a member of the Al-Sabah ruling family, Kuwait's constitutional monarchy since independence in 1961. Kuwait is a formal Coalition partner with US basing rights at Camp Arifjan and Ali Al Salem Air Base. Sheikh Mishal's condemnation of Iranian strikes placed Kuwait formally in the Coalition diplomatic posture, though Kuwait historically favoured Mediation over confrontation with Tehran.

Kuwait's domestic population includes a significant Shia minority, and the Emir's public statements must navigate internal communal tensions as well as external pressure. Sheikh Mishal also joined a joint Coalition statement reserving the right of response to Iranian aggression, the first such collective commitment by Gulf states to potential offensive action.