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Saudi Interior Minister: The Kingdom in the Lead of States Aware of Illegal Migration Risks

Meloni received the Saudi Interior Minister in Rome on Sunday. (AP)
Meloni received the Saudi Interior Minister in Rome on Sunday. (AP)
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Saudi Interior Minister: The Kingdom in the Lead of States Aware of Illegal Migration Risks

Meloni received the Saudi Interior Minister in Rome on Sunday. (AP)
Meloni received the Saudi Interior Minister in Rome on Sunday. (AP)

Saudi Arabia called on the international community to embrace its role in addressing the political, social and economic repercussions of illegal migration, and to confront the challenges related to crimes of exploitation and smuggling and confront cross-border organized crime networks.

On behalf of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, led Saudi Arabia’s delegation participating in the International Conference on Development and Migration in Rome on Sunday.

The conference, which began under the chairmanship of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, was attended by a number of heads of states and governments, ministers of foreign affairs of the Mediterranean region and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and senior European and international officials.

The Saudi minister expressed the Kingdom’s gratitude to Italy for hosting the conference, which aims to strengthen international cooperation in addressing issues like illegal migration and human trafficking.

The Kingdom, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince, is carrying out comprehensive and ongoing reforms within the framework of implementing the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which made the human being its main pillar, noted the Prince.

Prince Abdulaziz highlighted the Kingdom’s commitment to upholding human rights norms and advancing sustainable development, stating, “the Kingdom's firm stance in favor of international collaboration in addressing all common challenges is unwavering.”

He emphasized the Kingdom's support for developing the regular and institutional structure of the national human rights system, and labor regulations and policies, promoting labor rights, and improving contractual relationships.

He also mentioned the Kingdom’s launch of Saudi Green and Middle East Green initiatives to address climate change.

On the humanitarian and relief side, Prince Abdulaziz drew attention to the Kingdom’s efforts through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), stating: “The Kingdom is actively working to lessen suffering in areas affected by crises, conflicts, and disasters.”

He further shared that the Kingdom has implemented 30 projects to support refugees and migrants at a cost of more than $130 million, and provided humanitarian aid to Ukraine, exceeding $410 million.

Furthermore, the Prince mentioned the directives from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince to provide humanitarian aid worth $100 million and organize a campaign in support of the Sudanese people, who are undergoing a humanitarian crisis that has caused the displacement of large numbers in various regions of the country and neighboring countries.

The Kingdom appreciates the efforts of those working for the stability and security of people around the world.

The Kingdom’s delegation participating in the conference included Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Eng. Waleed El-Khereiji, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Dr. Hisham Al-Faleh, Director General of Passports and Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for Civil Status Lt. Gen. Sulaiman Al-Yahya, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Multilateral Affairs Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Rassi, and representatives from the Ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs and KSrelief.

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Gulf

Islamic Ministers’ Executive Council Condemns Iran’s Attacks on the Region

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh addresses the conference. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh addresses the conference. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Islamic Ministers’ Executive Council Condemns Iran’s Attacks on the Region

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh addresses the conference. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh addresses the conference. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Executive Council of the Conference of Ministers of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs condemned the deliberate Iranian attacks on Saudi Arabia, the Gulf and Jordan, accusing Tehran of seeking to destabilize the region, terrorize civilians, kill innocents and target homes, infrastructure, desalination plants, airports and diplomatic missions.

In a statement after a virtual meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the council said the attacks violated Islamic values and principles, good neighborliness, international treaties and international law, and posed a threat to international peace and security.

The council said the attacks could not be justified under any pretext and called on Iran to halt them immediately and stop supporting, funding or arming affiliated militias.

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance and Chairman of the council Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh urged condemnation of the heinous attacks by Iran and its militias on Saudi Arabia, Gulf Cooperation Council states and Jordan.

He said the attacks violated Islamic principles and international laws, undermined regional security and reflected a reckless attempt to push the region toward chaos and strife.

Alsheikh said Saudi Arabia and its leadership were capable of defending the country, protecting Islamic holy sites and confronting any threat to its security and resources.

The Kingdom had strengthened national unity, with citizens rallying behind the leadership and supporting its decisions, he added.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, the minister said the meeting came at a time of “abnormal circumstances” in the Muslim world marked by rising aggression.

He accused Iran of carrying out daily hostile acts, including launching drones and missiles without justification toward Saudi Arabia, Gulf states and Jordan, and said those countries remained steadfast, strong and aware of their responsibilities toward their religion, leadership and nations.

Gulf

Saudi FM, Russian Counterpart Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah/File Photo
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah/File Photo
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Saudi FM, Russian Counterpart Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah/File Photo
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah/File Photo

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held a phone call with Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov, during which they discussed the latest developments in the region, the Saudi Press Agency said on Thursday.

The discussion comes amid heightened tensions in parts of the Middle East, prompting continued diplomatic engagement between major international stakeholders.

 

Gulf

Gulf States Pursue IRGC, Hezbollah Cells Amid Ongoing Attacks

Suspects identified as fugitives abroad (Bahrain’s Interior Ministry) 
Suspects identified as fugitives abroad (Bahrain’s Interior Ministry) 
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Gulf States Pursue IRGC, Hezbollah Cells Amid Ongoing Attacks

Suspects identified as fugitives abroad (Bahrain’s Interior Ministry) 
Suspects identified as fugitives abroad (Bahrain’s Interior Ministry) 

Gulf Cooperation Council states are pursuing hunting down terrorist cells linked to Tehran and Lebanon’s Hezbollah, as they continue to counter Iranian attacks, intercepting more than 6,246 missiles and drones, according to the Gulf Research Center.

Monitoring by Asharq Al-Awsat shows that within 30 days, Gulf security services uncovered nine cells tied to Iran or its allies, particularly Hezbollah, across four countries: Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE.

The first cell was announced in Qatar on March 3, and the latest on March 30—meaning all nine were dismantled within 27 days, or roughly one Iran-linked cell every three days.

Seventy-four suspects across nine Iranian cells

About 74 individuals were arrested or identified across the nine cells, according to official data. They include nationals of Kuwait, Lebanon, Iran, and Bahrain.

According to official statements and confessions, the suspects were involved in coordinating with operatives abroad in ways that undermine state sovereignty and endanger public safety. Charges include raising funds for attacks, plotting assassinations targeting leaders and public figures, damaging strategic interests, infiltrating national economies, and executing schemes that threaten financial stability.

They also face accusations of espionage, collecting intelligence on military and critical sites, and possessing drones and coordinates of sensitive locations.

“Exporting the revolution”

The activities and charges mirror previously uncovered Iran-linked networks in the Gulf. Gulf security specialist Dhafer Alajmi said Iran has pursued a policy of exporting its 1979 revolution, turning sleeper cells into an existential threat to Gulf states.

Gulf countries began dismantling such networks early in the current conflict. The first announced operation came less than 72 hours after the outbreak of US, Israeli, and Iranian military confrontations, reflecting heightened security vigilance.

In Bahrain, authorities uncovered three cells involving 14 individuals, including 12 detained and two identified as fugitives abroad.

In Kuwait, three cells linked to the banned Hezbollah group involved 45 individuals, some arrested and others identified overseas.

The UAE announced the dismantling of a network linked to Hezbollah and Iran comprising five members.

Qatar, the first to act on March 3, said two cells working for the Revolutionary Guards involved 10 suspects.

A three-dimensional strategy

Alajmi said Tehran relies on a three-dimensional strategy to encircle the region: local terrorist cells, recruitment within Gulf states to carry out bombings and assassinations, and regional armed proxies such as the Houthis and Hezbollah to exert missile and drone pressure.

He also pointed to “nuclear blackmail,” using nuclear facilities as cover for destabilizing activities and as leverage against the international community.

He said Gulf states have demonstrated exceptional efficiency through preemptive operations that foiled dozens of plots and uncovered weapons and explosives linked to the Revolutionary Guard.

He cited strict anti-money laundering and counterterrorism financing laws that have constrained Iran-linked networks financially, alongside defense alliances, enhanced security coordination such as the Peninsula Shield Force, and advanced air defense systems.

He added that public awareness has denied such cells a supportive environment, turning them from pressure tools into losing assets.

“An old, renewed tactic”

Bahraini writer Faisal Al-Sheikh said targeting Bahrain and the wider Gulf through terrorist cells and proxy networks is a long-standing Iranian tactic central to its proxy warfare strategy, aimed at undermining states from within and spreading instability.

He described it as a system built on recruiting agents and exploiting weak loyalties, calling it “organized betrayal.”

Lebanese political analyst Ibrahim Raihan said Tehran uses such cells to destabilize Gulf states and signal that any attack on it would trigger broader regional chaos.

Developments since the start of hostilities show Gulf forces have not only intercepted attacks in the air but are also engaged in a parallel ground campaign to dismantle Iran-linked networks operating within their borders.