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Saudi Arabia Stresses Ongoing Efforts to Advance Regional, International Stability

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Chairs Cabinet Session - SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Chairs Cabinet Session - SPA
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Saudi Arabia Stresses Ongoing Efforts to Advance Regional, International Stability

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Chairs Cabinet Session - SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Chairs Cabinet Session - SPA

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the Cabinet session held Tuesday in Jeddah.

The Cabinet was briefed on the recent talks and communications between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and various countries, focusing on solidifying relations and advancing bilateral and multilateral coordination across diverse fields to achieve common interests and mutual benefits, SPA reported.

It also closely followed regional and international developments, reaffirming the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to establish a just peace in the Middle East, promote international security and stability, and end the cycle of violence that has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of innocent civilians.

The Cabinet commended the outcomes of the Saudi delegation’s visit to the Syrian Arab Republic. The visit, carried out under the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, reaffirmed the Kingdom’s steadfast support for Syria’s path toward economic growth.

The Cabinet noted that the visit culminated in the signing of 47 investment agreements valued at approximately SAR24 billion across several sectors, along with the announcement of a joint business council to foster mutual cooperation and activate partnerships between private sector institutions in both countries.

In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency following the session, Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary said that the Cabinet addressed the Kingdom's participation in the United Nations High-Level Political Forum, during which the Kingdom highlighted the significant achievements of its vision, positioning the Kingdom as the fastest-advancing among the G20 countries in sustainable development indicators over the past decade.

The Kingdom’s participation also underscored its international contributions and initiatives aimed at promoting global progress and prosperity.

The Cabinet expressed its hope that the High-Level International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Palestinian Question, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia in partnership with France, would contribute to accelerating the recognition of the State of Palestine and establishing a consensual path toward implementing the two-state solution, while enhancing the security and stability of countries in the region.

The Cabinet reiterated the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s welcome of the announcement by President Emmanuel Macron of the French Republic regarding his country’s intention to recognize the State of Palestine. It also called on other countries to take similar steps in support of peace and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

The Cabinet strongly condemned the Israeli Knesset’s call to impose control over the occupied West Bank and the Jordan Valley, stressing that such actions undermine peace efforts and reflect a persistence in sabotage and destruction. It reiterated the Kingdom’s categorical rejection of the occupation authorities’ violations of international law and United Nations resolutions.

On domestic affairs, the Cabinet reviewed the latest developments in the Kingdom’s efforts to develop circular carbon economy technologies, including the successful operation of a Direct Air Capture (DAC) testing unit in Riyadh. This initiative reflects the Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to exploring innovative and promising technical solutions in this field, reaffirming its leadership and dedication to achieving its climate goals in line with Vision 2030.

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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.