Bahrain, Qatar to Reconsider Maritime Bridge Project

Bahrain’s monarch, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (BNA)
Bahrain’s monarch, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (BNA)
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Bahrain, Qatar to Reconsider Maritime Bridge Project

Bahrain’s monarch, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (BNA)
Bahrain’s monarch, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (BNA)

Bahrain’s monarch, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, engaged in a phone call conversation with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on Friday.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, was received by King Hamad on the same day.

Concurrently, Bahrain announced that Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa discussed the ambitious Qatar-Bahrain Causeway project in his meeting with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman.

This visionary project, conceived since 2009, spans approximately 40 kilometers, connecting the Bahraini island to the Qatari peninsula.

According to the Bahrain News Agency (BNA), Crown Prince Salman and Sheikh Mohammed “discussed the project and directed the relevant authorities of both countries to finalize plans and commence project implementation.”

On March 13, Bahrain and Qatar decided to resume diplomatic relations after a two-year reconciliation period in the Gulf.

The decision to reestablish diplomatic ties was made during a meeting of the bilateral follow-up committee at the headquarters of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Riyadh.

Both countries expressed that this step was taken “with the mutual desire to develop bilateral relations, enhance integration, and strengthen Gulf unity.”

During the phone call between Bahrain’s monarch and the Emir of Qatar on Friday, the leaders addressed “the fraternal relations between the two sisterly countries and ways to enhance and strengthen them in various fields, emphasizing the deep-rooted connection and brotherhood shared between the two nations.”

They also affirmed “determination to move forward in developing aspects of bilateral cooperation that meet the aspirations of both peoples.”

BNA also reported that King Hamad highlighted, during his phone conversation with the Emir of Qatar, the visit of Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman.

He also emphasized the fruitful discussions between Bahrain’s Crown Prince and the Qatari Prime Minister, aiming to propel further collaborative efforts between the two nations across all domains.

The monarch expressed optimism about broadening the scope of interconnection and cooperation, foreseeing mutual prosperity and growth for both countries and their people.
 



GCC Denounces Iran’s Continued Attacks on Member States

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. (GCC)
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. (GCC)
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GCC Denounces Iran’s Continued Attacks on Member States

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. (GCC)
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. (GCC)

The Gulf Cooperation Council strongly denounced on Sunday Iran’s continued aggression against its member states including the deliberate targeting of infrastructures and oil facilities.

The GCC rejected these hostile actions, describing them as a blatant violation of international law and norms and pose a direct threat to regional security and stability, as well as to the safety of global energy supplies.

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi emphasized that Iran’s continuing aggression unveils its escalatory approach towards Gulf states. He said Iran's unacceptable acts of aggression undermine de-escalation efforts and threaten both regional and international security.

He added that Iranian claims seeking to hold GCC member states responsible for any military operations are unfounded, categorically rejected, and lack any foundation.

Albudaiwi urged the international community to condemn the attacks, take firm action, and pressure Iran to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817 to stop violations and maintain regional stability.

He reaffirmed the GCC’s unity and solidarity in facing threats, and their commitment to joint efforts to promote regional stability and peace.


Qatar Says Helicopter Crashes after Technical Malfunction, 7 Dead

People walk along the Corniche on the second day of Eid al-Fitr celebrations in Doha on March 21, 2026. (Photo by AFP)
People walk along the Corniche on the second day of Eid al-Fitr celebrations in Doha on March 21, 2026. (Photo by AFP)
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Qatar Says Helicopter Crashes after Technical Malfunction, 7 Dead

People walk along the Corniche on the second day of Eid al-Fitr celebrations in Doha on March 21, 2026. (Photo by AFP)
People walk along the Corniche on the second day of Eid al-Fitr celebrations in Doha on March 21, 2026. (Photo by AFP)

Qatar said on Sunday that seven people have been confirmed killed in a Qatari helicopter crash in the country’s territorial waters.

The Defense Ministry earlier said the helicopter crashed on Saturday after suffering ⁠a ⁠technical malfunction during routine duty.

Four of those killed ⁠were Qatari armed forces ‌personnel, ‌one was from ​the Qatar-Türkiye ‌joint forces and ‌two were technicians, the Turkish and Qatari defense ministries said.

"Military cooperation and ‌coordination activities between the Republic of Türkiye and ⁠the ⁠State of Qatar continue uninterrupted within the framework of existing agreements and plans," the Turkish Defense Ministry said. 


MWL Condemns Israeli Strike on Southern Syria

The Muslim World League (MWL) logo
The Muslim World League (MWL) logo
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MWL Condemns Israeli Strike on Southern Syria

The Muslim World League (MWL) logo
The Muslim World League (MWL) logo

The Muslim World League (MWL) condemned the Israeli strikes targeting military infrastructure in southern Syria.

In a statement, MWL Secretary-General and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa described the attack as a violation of international laws and norms, particularly the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.

He reaffirmed full solidarity with Syria and its people against actions that undermine its sovereignty and threaten its security and stability.

Israel's military said on Friday it had struck southern Syria in response to what it called attacks against the Druze community in Sweida province.