The U.S. Embassy located in Kuwait City resumed operations on Wednesday, with emergency services for American citizens restarting at once and additional consular functions to be brought back gradually, a State Department spokesperson said.
The reopening occurred during a visit by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He participated in a flag-raising ceremony at the embassy as part of his trip to Kuwait, where he is meeting with allied officials to discuss efforts to end the war in Iran.
Rubio posted about the ceremony on social media, writing: "The American flag: a symbol of liberty, unity, and freedom now flies proudly once again over Kuwait City. Kuwait is an indispensable partner for regional security and stability." The post followed the formal event at the mission.
The embassy had been closed in March after Iranian drones struck the missions, prompting the State Department to suspend operations not only in Kuwait but also at the U.S. mission in Saudi Arabia. The March shutdown came in the wake of U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and the subsequent drone attacks on diplomatic facilities.
According to the State Department, the initial focus upon reopening will be the immediate provision of emergency services to U.S. citizens in Kuwait. Other regular consular and diplomatic services will be phased in over time, reflecting a staged approach to restoring full embassy operations.
The Secretary of State's visit was described as part of diplomatic engagements with regional partners. Discussions during the trip are centered on coordinating with allies on steps to bring an end to the war in Iran, and on broader regional security issues tied to recent hostilities.
The decision to resume operations in Kuwait represents a restoration of a diplomatic presence that had been curtailed because of the security risks following the March attacks. The phased approach signals a measured return to normal functions while the embassy monitors the regional security environment.
Summary
The U.S. Embassy in Kuwait City reopened on Wednesday. Emergency services for U.S. citizens resumed immediately, while other services will return in stages. Secretary of State Marco Rubio attended a flag-raising ceremony and emphasized Kuwait's role in regional stability. The mission had been closed in March after Iranian drones hit diplomatic sites following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.