Rubio presides over flag-raising ceremony at US Embassy in Kuwait
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio attended a ceremonial flag-raising at the US Embassy in Kuwait on Wednesday, marking the resumption of operations at the facility. The embassy had suspended services in March after Iranian drones struck the mission during the conflict between the US and Israel and Iran.
A State Department spokesperson confirmed that the embassy will immediately resume emergency services for American citizens, while other services will be phased in gradually. The embassy's closure had affected consular assistance and other diplomatic functions for US nationals in Kuwait.
Background: Embassy shutdown after Iranian drone strikes
The State Department shut down embassy operations in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in March following Iranian drone attacks on the missions. These attacks came after US-Israeli strikes on Iran, escalating tensions in the region. The embassy in Kuwait had been closed for approximately three months before Wednesday's reopening.
Rubio's three-nation Gulf tour
Rubio is traveling through the Gulf on a three-nation tour that began in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday. His visit is the first by an Israeli official since the US and Iran signed an agreement last week to end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments.
The tour underscores the Trump administration's efforts to stabilize diplomatic relations in the region following the recent hostilities. Rubio's itinerary includes meetings with Gulf leaders to discuss the implementation of the US-Iran deal and broader security cooperation.
