The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Jan. 9, 2026, urged its citizens in Iran to maintain maximum vigilance, avoid gatherings or demonstrations and adhere to instructions from local authorities amid recent developments in the country, according to Arab Times.[[1]](https://www.arabtimesonline.com/news/kuwait-warns-kuwaitis-in-iran-to-avoid-gatherings-and-demonstrations/) The report published emergency contacts for the Kuwait Embassy in Tehran at +989919202356 and the ministry at +965 159 or +965 22225504 for any crises. This advisory was issued as protests that erupted on Dec. 28, 2025, over economic collapse evolved into widespread calls for political change.
Arab Times reported that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the need for citizens to steer clear of potential protest locations to safeguard their well-being during the period of tension. The statement stopped short of demanding immediate departure but placed strong emphasis on compliance with Iranian regulations to avert complications. Emergency hotlines were provided specifically to enable swift diplomatic support if situations arise. Kuwait maintains active people-to-people ties with Iran that include regular travel for various purposes, which adds weight to such precautionary measures.
Protests across Iran began on Dec. 28, 2025, initially driven by a severe economic crisis and currency devaluation that prompted bazaar strikes in Tehran before spreading nationwide, Amnesty International documented in its January 2026 overview.[[2]](https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/campaigns/2026/01/what-happened-at-the-protests-in-iran/) The demonstrations rapidly shifted focus to demands for systemic reform and an end to the existing governance structure. Security forces responded with increasing intensity, culminating in a major crackdown that drew global scrutiny. By mid-January, authorities claimed the main unrest had been contained even as smaller actions persisted.[[3]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025%E2%80%932026_Iranian_protests#:~:text=On%208%20January%2C%201.5%20million,determine%20Iran’s%20future%20political%20system.)
Iranian authorities carried out mass arrests and lethal force particularly on Jan. 8 and 9, 2026, resulting in thousands of fatalities, according to Amnesty International.[[2]](https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/campaigns/2026/01/what-happened-at-the-protests-in-iran/) HRANA data placed arrests above 18,400 in the early phase with death toll estimates ranging from 2,000 to more than 12,000 depending on the monitoring group, Britannica reported. The judiciary signaled no leniency, announcing charges such as moharebeh that can carry capital punishment for some participants. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei acknowledged certain legitimacy in protester grievances while insisting that rioters face firm consequences.
The United States reinforced its Level 4 do-not-travel advisory and called for citizens to depart Iran immediately, citing risks including civil unrest and arbitrary detention, according to a Jan. 13, 2026, embassy alert.[[4]](https://ir.usembassy.gov/iran-security-alert-americans-should-leave-iran-now-january-13-2026/) Sweden updated its guidance on Jan. 12, 2026, urging nationals to leave the country and avoid non-essential movement near potential targets, a government release stated. Comparable notices from multiple European and regional governments followed in subsequent weeks as disruptions including communication blackouts intensified.[[5]](https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/countries-issuing-middle-east-travel-advisories-iran-tensions-rise-2026-02-25/)
Kuwait’s measured approach focused on vigilance rather than full evacuation, consistent with the profile of its nationals who often visit Iran for religious pilgrimages, medical care or tourism. The ministry’s directive aligns with a pattern of periodic safety notices issued by Kuwait and other states when Iranian domestic conditions deteriorate. Further advisories from various foreign ministries continued into February and March 2026 as the aftermath of the protests affected broader regional stability, Dutch government briefings indicated.[[6]](https://www.government.nl/latest/weblogs/the-work-of-the-ministry-of-foreign-affairs/2026/situation-middle-east-news)
Iranian officials declared the protests largely suppressed by mid-January 2026 following the intensive enforcement phase, even though isolated demonstrations resurfaced later in the quarter. The events prompted renewed international focus on human rights practices and accountability for reported casualties during the suppression. Citizens requiring support are encouraged to contact the designated Kuwaiti channels promptly to receive assistance.
