Oman, Qatar, Bahrain Condemn Israel's Targeting of Iran

An anti-missile system operates after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel April 14, 2024. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
An anti-missile system operates after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel April 14, 2024. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
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Oman, Qatar, Bahrain Condemn Israel's Targeting of Iran

An anti-missile system operates after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel April 14, 2024. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
An anti-missile system operates after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel April 14, 2024. REUTERS/Amir Cohen

The Sultanate of Oman strongly condemned the Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory on Saturday.
The Sultanate said these attacks are a flagrant violation of Iran's sovereignty and a clear breach of international law, and expressed concern that such escalatory actions fuel the cycle of violence and undermine efforts to de-escalate tensions through peaceful and diplomatic means. It called on the international community to take decisive action to halt the aggression and end these violations.
In a statement, the Omani Foreign Ministry urged that the cause of regional crises be addressed, by ending the illegal Israeli occupation of Palestinian and Arab territories, and its ongoing aggression in Gaza Strip.
The Sultanate also emphasized the need to abide by UN Security Council resolutions, grant the Palestinian people their right to self-determination, and establish an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, within the framework of the two-state solution and in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative, to ensure a just and lasting peace for all parties concerned.

Qatar also strongly condemned Israel's targeting of Iran, deeming it a flagrant violation of Iran's sovereignty and a clear breach of the principles of international law.
The Qatari Foreign Ministry issued a statement expressing deep concern over the serious repercussions that may result from this escalation, and called on all concerned parties to exercise restraint, resolve differences through dialogue and peaceful means, and avoid anything that would destabilize security and stability in the region.
The ministry renewed Qatar's call on the international community to intensify efforts aimed at calming and de-escalating the situation, and ending the suffering of the peoples of the region, especially in Gaza and Lebanon.

For its part, Bahrain's foreign ministry condemned military action against Iran, urging an immediate ceasefire to protect civilians and reduce regional tensions. 

The ministry urged all parties to exercise restraint and prioritize de-escalation to prevent the expansion of conflict and war. It also emphasized the need to revive peace negotiations to achieve regional security and stability, and ensure that all peoples in the region live in dignity, safety, peace, and prosperity.

 



Iranian Pilgrims Stranded in Saudi Arabia to Return Home via Jadidat Arar Crossing

The first Iranian pilgrims’ flights departed from Madinah airport. (Madinah Principality)
The first Iranian pilgrims’ flights departed from Madinah airport. (Madinah Principality)
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Iranian Pilgrims Stranded in Saudi Arabia to Return Home via Jadidat Arar Crossing

The first Iranian pilgrims’ flights departed from Madinah airport. (Madinah Principality)
The first Iranian pilgrims’ flights departed from Madinah airport. (Madinah Principality)

Iranian pilgrims began departing Saudi Arabia on Sunday in organized batches under a joint air-and-land travel program, authorities said, following the closure of Iranian airspace following strikes between Iran and Israel.

The move came in line with a directive by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and in response to guidance from Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

The first group of pilgrims left Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, heading to Arar Airport near the Saudi border. From there, they will continue their journey overland to the Jadidat Arar border crossing into Iraq.

Iran’s Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization announced that the return of pilgrims to their country will begin on June 15, Iranian news agency Tasnim reported.

The agency said the arrangements were made in cooperation with the Saudi government. Pilgrims will be flown by Saudi Airlines from Madinah to Arar Airport near the Iraqi border.

From Arar, pilgrims will continue by dedicated buses to the Iraqi cities of Najaf and Karbala, where they will stay briefly to perform religious visits at the shrines of the Ahl al-Bayt.

Afterward, they will resume their journey to the Iran border using an Iranian land transport fleet before entering the country.

Crown Prince Mohammed had instructed the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to provide all necessary support to ensure the safe return of Iranian pilgrims and to facilitate their departure given the conflict between Tehran and Tel Aviv.

With direct flights between Saudi Arabia and Iran suspended, a carefully coordinated plan was implemented to evacuate approximately 77,000 stranded pilgrims.

The first group of pilgrims arrived at Jadidat Arar on Sunday. Several daily flights to Arar, each carrying around 350 pilgrims, are being conducted, with roughly 3,000 pilgrims transported each day as part of this initial phase.

These efforts reflect Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian approach to hosting and serving the guests of the Two Holy Mosques, ensuring their safe return home despite complex regional challenges.

The operation underscores the Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to facilitating pilgrimage for people of all nationalities.