China-brokered deal brought about renewal of ties between Middle East powers after they were severed in 2016 over Riyadh's execution of Shiite cleric

Move comes following regional downgrade in ties in 2016, after Iranian protesters attacked Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran following Riyadh's execution of cleric Nimr al-Nimr

Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah's death draws condolences from across a divided Middle East, where he is hailed as a bridge-builder

Tehran says first deaths date back to February 13, though first cases only announced days later; Kuwait, Bahrain announce first cases in people entering from Iran

Tehran and Kuwait City maintain relatively good relations despite ongoing tensions between the Islamic Republic and other Gulf Arab states

Usually sharing good relations, Iran accuses Kuwait officials of 'violation of the principle of good neighborly relations' for parlay with 'terrorist group'

Speculation about Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah's health sparked by tweet from Iranian FM Mohammed Javad Zarif

'Praying for Emir's speedy recovery,' Mohammad Javad Zarif tweets; officials and media silent on Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Sabah's condition

Cultural bond over traditional baked item remains unchanged despite regional tensions between Sunni-ruled Gulf countries and the Shiite Islamic Republic