Gulf | Kuwait
Kuwait says Iran nuclear dispute hurts neighbours
Kuwait urged Iran on Saturday to resolve tensions with the West over its nuclear programme, saying the dispute undermined the interests of Gulf states with which it shares a vital oil export route.
- Agencies
- Published: 20:55 August 9, 2008
Kuwait: Kuwait urged Iran on Saturday to resolve tensions with the West over its nuclear programme, saying the dispute undermined the interests of Gulf states with which it shares a vital oil export route.
"This basin (the Gulf) we all share. Talk of closing the Strait of Hormuz has a great impact on us," official news agency KUNA quoted Foreign Affairs Minister Shaikh Mohammad Al Salem Al Sabah as saying in a television interview.
KUNA quoted him as saying Kuwait would not allow the United States to launch an attack on Iran from its soil.
About 40 per cent of global oil exports leave the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz, off Iran's southern coast. Tehran has said it will impose shipping controls there if it is attacked, and has warned Gulf neighbours of reprisals should they take part in any attack.
"Merely talking about such a closure (of the Strait of Hormuz) creates a state of tension and will raise the insurance costs on vessels passing through," Shaikh Mohammad said.
"We are now paying additional amounts for shipping due to a statement, which may be a test balloon or war of words ... therefore cautious and calculated words are desired."
"It is true that we are allies of America ... (but) we are against escalation against Iran," Shaikh Mohammad said. "We have the courage to correspond with our main allies for what we see as in the interest of Kuwait and the region."
Shaikh Mohammad said Kuwait and other Gulf Arabs supported Iran's right to acquire nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, but added: "Our friends in Iran should know that not responding to decisions of the international community will not bring benefit to them, or to their friends who support their right."
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