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Gulf

Saudi Arabia Hosts Islamic Military Coalition, Announces $26.6 Mn to Support Initiatives

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman called for a unified stance to condemn Israeli violations in the Gaza Strip (SPA)
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman called for a unified stance to condemn Israeli violations in the Gaza Strip (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Hosts Islamic Military Coalition, Announces $26.6 Mn to Support Initiatives

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman called for a unified stance to condemn Israeli violations in the Gaza Strip (SPA)
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman called for a unified stance to condemn Israeli violations in the Gaza Strip (SPA)

Saudi Arabia will contribute $26.6 million to support initiatives financing the fund of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), announced Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman on Saturday.
Prince Khalid, who also serves as chairman of the coalition’s Council of Defense Ministers, also declared that the Kingdom would support 46 training programs as part of the Coalition's four ideological domains, including its media, military, and anti-terrorism financing fields.
The announcement came within the Minister's address at the second meeting of the Council of Defense Ministers of the IMCTC member states in Riyadh under the theme "Combating Terrorism: A Shared Responsibility."
The Minister inaugurated the second meeting of the Council, stressing that the presence of the defense ministers of the Islamic Alliance is only an extension of the first meeting that was held earlier.
He reiterated the role of the message of Islamic religion in combating extremism and terrorism to achieve global security and peace.
Prince Khalid pointed out that the aspirations of the IMCTC require concerted efforts, in addition to integration, cooperation, and partnership between member states, various countries of the world, and international bodies.
- Condemning the Israeli aggression
Prince Khalid stressed that the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people requires a unified stance by the member states of the Coalition to condemn Israeli violations in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
He asserted the need to stop this aggression immediately following the decisions of the extraordinary joint Arab-Islamic summit held in Riyadh on November 11, 2023.
During the meeting, IMCTC Sec-Gen Major General Pilot Staff Mohammed al-Moghedi gave a briefing on the methodology of the Coalition, followed by a presentation of the initiatives of donor countries and supporting countries.
Moghedi announced the final statement, in which the member states expressed their support for the emphasis conveyed in the speech of the Saudi Defense Minister on the importance of a unified stance among member states in condemning the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
The defense ministers emphasized their countries' determination to enhance cooperation, coordinate efforts, and unite them to avert terrorism risks.
They stressed the importance of joint collective action to confront all forms and manifestations of terrorism and extremism.
They also expressed their satisfaction with the progress achieved in the Coalition's journey, confirming their commitment to fight terrorism and eliminate it through organized collective action and comprehensive planning.
- Multiple initiatives
The defense ministers reviewed the alliance's 2023 annual report and its operational and financial performance report.
Saudi Arabia's operational expenses of the Coalition exceeded more than $266 million.
The defense ministers were briefed on the Coalition's methodology and the initiatives it encompasses, designed based on the needs of the member states.
The final statement recognized the importance of activating the initiatives aimed at combating terrorism in its various aspects.
The attendees agreed to launch a fund for financing the Coalition's initiatives, which is dedicated to receiving financial contributions from the member states, supporting countries, and international bodies and organizations.
They also welcomed countries desiring to join the Coalition in the future.
Coalition Advisor Major General Abdullah al-Qahtani confirmed that the meeting is crucial, whether at the level of its representation or outcomes.
Qahtani reiterated to Asharq Al-Awsat that the most essential element is the Coalition's determination to combat terrorism worldwide.
- Bilateral meetings
On the sidelines of the conference, the Saudi Defense Minister held bilateral meetings with several defense ministers from Islamic countries.
Prince Khalid received Kuwait's Minister of Defense and Acting Minister of Interior of Kuwait, Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Al Sabah, and the accompanying delegation.
He also met with Libya's Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the Government of National Unity, Abdul Hamid Dbeibe.
The Saudi Minister also held bilateral meetings with Djibouti's Minister of Defense in charge of relations with Parliament Hassan Omar Mohamed Burhan, Sudan's Minister of Defense Major General Yassin Ibrahim Abdel-Hadi, and Mauritania's Minister of Defense Hanana Ould Sidi,
They reviewed the meeting's agenda topics, defense and military cooperation, and several issues of common interest.

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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.