Kuwait raises security level to secure oil facilities

KUWAIT CITY

Kuwait on Friday raised the level of security for oil facilities and commercial ports nationwide.

A ministerial decree stipulated that the move aims to safeguard the country's ports and oil facilities, Kuwait Ports Authority (KPC) said in a statement carried by Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).

Friday's decision stressed that all parties should take the necessary measures to protect vessels and seaport facilities amid current developments in the region.

On Tuesday, Kuwait’s Deputy Prime Minister Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah urged the army to "exercise utmost vigilance" to counter potential dangers that could undermine security and stability in the country.

Kuwait's move came as the U.S. and Saudi Arabia are considering responses to Saturday's assault on Saudi oil facilities.

Both of them blamed Iran for the attacks. Tehran, however, denied any involvement in the attacks on two Aramco oil facilities.

Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif threatened "all-out war" in case of strikes against his country by the U.S. or Saudi Arabia.

*Writing by Mahmoud Barakat