The Chinese Embassy in Kuwait clarified that the sole fatality from the Iranian strike on a company building was a Nepalese national working as a driver for one of the Chinese firm’s subcontractors. Embassy officials stressed that no Chinese citizens were killed or injured in the incident that targeted the site in northern Kuwait. The clarification followed initial reports of the attack and aligned with information released by local authorities on the same day.
Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence reported that the strike caused extensive material damage to the building while one worker lost his life. Spokesman Colonel Saud Al-Atwan said competent authorities responded immediately and launched coordinated measures with relevant agencies to address the aftermath. The ministry added that the armed forces maintain full operational readiness to protect national sovereignty, security and the safety of citizens and residents alike.
This incident forms part of a wider pattern of Iranian strikes across Gulf states that have repeatedly hit civilian and commercial sites, according to multiple regional monitoring reports. A PBS NewsHour assessment of the escalating conflict noted that the five reported casualties from such strikes in Gulf nations have all been foreign nationals, highlighting the vulnerability of migrant labor forces. The attacks have targeted locations in Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain over recent months.
Nepal remains one of the primary sources of expatriate labor for Kuwait, where Public Authority for Civil Information figures show expatriates comprise more than two-thirds of the total population and fill critical roles in construction, logistics and driving. The death of the Nepalese driver underscores the risks faced by South Asian workers amid regional tensions that have intensified since early 2026. Similar strikes earlier this year in the UAE resulted in the deaths of nationals from Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan, according to UAE Ministry of Defence statements.
The Chinese Embassy’s confirmation that none of its nationals were affected comes as Chinese firms maintain a significant commercial presence in Kuwait through infrastructure and energy projects. In its statement the embassy reiterated that the victim was not connected directly to Chinese diplomatic personnel despite initial reporting ambiguities. Kuwaiti officials continue to coordinate with diplomatic missions to support the victim’s family and manage any repatriation processes.
Ministry of Defence statements emphasised that immediate steps were taken to secure the affected area and prevent secondary risks following the strike. The coordinated response involved multiple government bodies working to assess damage and restore normal operations at nearby facilities. Officials have not released the victim’s name pending notification of next of kin through Nepalese diplomatic channels.
