New Delhi (India) June 3: An Indian national was killed and 63 others were wounded in an Iranian strike on the Kuwait airport, forcing its temporary closure and becoming the first attack in the Gulf region since a ceasefire went into effect on April 8.
The ceasefire had effectively ended over a month of clashes between the United States and Israel against Iran after the country launched thousands of missiles and drones targeting several Gulf states.
Kuwait Takes Diplomatic Action Against Iran
Two Iranian embassy officials have been ordered to leave Kuwait within 24 hours after a strike on a Kuwait airport, killing one and wounding several dozens of others.
According to a statement issued by the foreign ministry, deputy foreign minister Hamad Suleiman Al-Mashaan summoned the Islamic republic's chargé d'affaires in Kuwait, Hamed Hamid Yaqoubi Far, and handed him an official protest memorandum against the continued attacks launched by Iran. He also told him of Kuwait's decision to downsize Iran's embassy staff, designating two embassy members "persona non grata" and demanding that they leave the country within 24 hours.
India Confirms Death of Its Citizen
The foreign ministry of India condemned the attack and announced that the person killed was an Indian national.
"We condemn the attack on the Kuwait International Airport today in which an Indian national has died and several of our nationals are injured. Since the onset of the conflict in West Asia, we have strongly urged that civilian population and civilian infrastructure must not be targeted. We again call upon parties to cease such attacks," MEA said.
"We offer our deepest condolences to the bereaved family. Our Embassy is extending all possible assistance to those injured. We remain in close contact with local authorities for the welfare of Indian nationals. Indian Missions and Posts across the region are on alert and continue to proactively support our community," it added.
Iran Announces Mourning for Khamenei
Iranian officials announced that a three-day public mourning will be held for former supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on the opening day of the U.S.-Israel war against Iran according to state news reports.
Tehran deputy mayor, Mohammad Amin Tavakoli-Zadeh laid out the logistical plans of multi-city mournings, explaining that the scheduled processions are planned to be carried out in a variety of prominent city locations such as the capital Tehran, as well as the holy cities of Qom and Mashhad.
According to Mr. Tavakoli-Zadeh, the major ceremonies in the capital city of Tehran are to continue for more than 24 hours, and city officials are currently working on the infrastructure to handle a total of 20 million citizens in the capital alone.