Saudi Foreign Ministry Condemns Attack on Iranian Consulate Building in Damascus

Photo after the targeting of the Iranian consulate building in the Syrian capital Damascus. -Reuters
Photo after the targeting of the Iranian consulate building in the Syrian capital Damascus. -Reuters
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Saudi Foreign Ministry Condemns Attack on Iranian Consulate Building in Damascus

Photo after the targeting of the Iranian consulate building in the Syrian capital Damascus. -Reuters
Photo after the targeting of the Iranian consulate building in the Syrian capital Damascus. -Reuters

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the Kingdom condemnation of the targeting of the Iranian consulate building in the Syrian capital Damascus.

The Ministry expresses the Kingdom's categorical rejection of targeting diplomatic facilities for any justification, and under any pretext, which is a violation of international diplomatic laws and the rules of diplomatic immunity, SPA reported.

Also, the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jassim Mohammed Albudaiwi, condemned and denounced the targeting of the Iranian consulate building, which resulted in a number of deaths and injuries.
He stressed the importance of abiding by the international laws, treaties, including the protection and safety of diplomatic missions.



GCC Chief Discusses Iranian Aggression against Council States with EU Gulf Envoy

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi.
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi.
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GCC Chief Discusses Iranian Aggression against Council States with EU Gulf Envoy

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

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi received European Union (EU) Special Representative for the Gulf Region Luigi Di Maio on Wednesday at the general secretariat’s headquarters in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency said Thursday.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed the grave Iranian attacks on the GCC states, describing them as a blatant threat to regional and international security. They noted that the attacks have caused loss of life and significant material damage, directly endangering civilian safety and security.

The GCC secretary-general reaffirmed the provisions of the joint statement issued by the GCC-EU Joint Ministerial Meeting regarding the Iranian attacks on council states.

He emphasized the vital importance of maintaining the integrity of regional airspace, sea lanes, and the freedom of navigation—including the Strait of Hormuz and Bab El-Mandeb—to ensure the security of supply chains and the stability of global energy markets.

For his part, the EU special representative expressed the solidarity of EU member states with the GCC. He strongly denounced the repeated Iranian aggression against the council states and their negative impact on the security and stability of the region.


Saudi Arabia Welcomes Temporary Truce between Pakistan and Afghanistan

Ambulances carrying the bodies of victims killed in a Pakistani airstrike on a drug rehabilitation center, make their way to the Badam Bagh Hilltop for a funeral and mass burial in Kabul on March 18, 2026. (AFP)
Ambulances carrying the bodies of victims killed in a Pakistani airstrike on a drug rehabilitation center, make their way to the Badam Bagh Hilltop for a funeral and mass burial in Kabul on March 18, 2026. (AFP)
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Saudi Arabia Welcomes Temporary Truce between Pakistan and Afghanistan

Ambulances carrying the bodies of victims killed in a Pakistani airstrike on a drug rehabilitation center, make their way to the Badam Bagh Hilltop for a funeral and mass burial in Kabul on March 18, 2026. (AFP)
Ambulances carrying the bodies of victims killed in a Pakistani airstrike on a drug rehabilitation center, make their way to the Badam Bagh Hilltop for a funeral and mass burial in Kabul on March 18, 2026. (AFP)

Saudi Arabia welcomed on Wednesday the temporary truce agreement reached between Pakistan and Afghanistan on the advent of Eid Al-Fitr.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said: “The Kingdom appreciates the willingness of both parties to respond to the calls made by the Kingdom, Qatar, and Türkiye to implement this truce.”

“It emphasizes that prioritizing dialogue and peaceful solutions is the most effective means to resolve ongoing disputes,” it added.

“The Kingdom reaffirms its commitment to continuing tireless diplomatic efforts, in collaboration with brotherly and friendly nations, to achieve peace, security, and stability in the region,” it said.

Pakistan and Afghanistan on Wednesday announced a halt in fighting during celebrations for the end of Ramadan, after the deadliest strike in their escalating conflict killed hundreds in Kabul earlier this week.

Pakistan's information minister, Attaullah Tarar, said the government agreed to a halt to its operations from Thursday to Monday "in good faith and in keeping with the Islamic norms".

Taliban government spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said defending Afghanistan was "a national and religious obligation" and they would respond to any aggression or threat.

Tarar said: "In case of any cross-border attack, drone attack or any terrorist incident inside Pakistan, (operations) shall immediately resume with renewed intensity."


Saudi Arabia Destroys Ballistic Missiles Fired at Riyadh, Eastern Region

Spokesperson of the Saudi Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki. (SPA)
Spokesperson of the Saudi Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Destroys Ballistic Missiles Fired at Riyadh, Eastern Region

Spokesperson of the Saudi Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki. (SPA)
Spokesperson of the Saudi Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki. (SPA)

Spokesperson of the Saudi Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki announced on Wednesday that the Kingdom’s defenses intercepted and destroyed four ballistic missiles fired at the capital Riyadh.

Scattered debris fell across various areas of the capital, with initial assessments indicating no casualties or damage.

Earlier, Al-Malki said defenses downed two ballistic missiles launched toward the Eastern Region.