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Saudi Arabia, Iraq Agree to Tighten Drug Control, Information Sharing

Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud and Iraqi Health Minister and head of the Supreme Committee for Combating Drugs Dr. Saleh Al-Hasnawi signing a memorandum of understanding (SPA)
Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud and Iraqi Health Minister and head of the Supreme Committee for Combating Drugs Dr. Saleh Al-Hasnawi signing a memorandum of understanding (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia, Iraq Agree to Tighten Drug Control, Information Sharing

Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud and Iraqi Health Minister and head of the Supreme Committee for Combating Drugs Dr. Saleh Al-Hasnawi signing a memorandum of understanding (SPA)
Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud and Iraqi Health Minister and head of the Supreme Committee for Combating Drugs Dr. Saleh Al-Hasnawi signing a memorandum of understanding (SPA)

Saudi Arabia and Iraq signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday to combat the illicit trafficking of narcotics, psychotropic substances and chemical precursors, during talks in Riyadh between Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud and Iraqi Health Minister and head of the Supreme Committee for Combating Drugs Dr. Saleh Al-Hasnawi.

The agreement aims to curb the spread of drugs and improve the two countries’ response capabilities.

Iraqi Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Safia Al-Suhail told Asharq Al-Awsat the memorandum contains 17 clauses setting out frameworks for technical, information-sharing and oversight cooperation to tackle the growing challenges of illicit drug trade and bolster both national and regional readiness.

Al-Suhail said the meeting also explored ways to strengthen institutional coordination in the fight against narcotics and chemical precursors, alongside the signing of the accord between the two interior ministries.

She voiced optimism over bilateral efforts in recent years, citing “tangible successes” such as the seizure of large quantities of drugs, dismantling of trafficking networks, and the strengthening of prevention, treatment and rehabilitation programs. The new agreement, she added, is expected to expand joint action to build a safer and healthier environment and reinforce regional partnerships against the cross-border threat.

Al-Hasnawi, who headed a high-level delegation, also met with Saudi Health Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel in Riyadh on Wednesday, where the two sides signed a separate memorandum of understanding to advance healthcare cooperation. The deal seeks to develop partnerships and widen the scope of collaboration to meet the two nations’ aspirations for an effective and sustainable health system.

Al-Suhail said the health accord provides an integrated framework to expand cooperation in areas such as investment in medical services, digital transformation, epidemic prevention and response, addiction prevention and treatment, and capacity-building through joint technical teams. It also envisages the exchange of technical and administrative expertise from leading institutions in both countries, paving the way for a “sustainable health approach based on institutional cooperation and practical development to improve future service quality.”

The memorandum includes plans to strengthen healthcare systems by boosting investment in the sector, improving patient referral services between the two countries, and expanding the use of digital health technologies, including virtual medicine and remote services. It also covers preventive care, public health, crowd health management, and epidemic preparedness through effective prevention measures.

Further areas of cooperation include epidemic control, health insurance, health applications, patient safety, clinical pharmacy, crisis management and pharmacovigilance.

Al-Suhail described Al-Hasnawi’s visit as “fruitful” in enhancing bilateral cooperation, saying joint coordination between Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry and Iraq’s Health Ministry – supported by intelligence and security agencies – is a “key pillar” in tackling the drugs problem and its social impact.

The Iraqi delegation’s brief but packed program included field visits to leading medical facilities in Riyadh, such as King Fahd Medical City, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, the Virtual Health Hospital, the Command and Control Center, and the National Center for Health Crisis and Disaster Management.

The ambassador said the tour aimed to review Saudi Arabia’s successful healthcare models and explore ways to adapt them in Iraq.

 

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Gulf

How Gulf States View War Outlook, US-Iran Talks

Flags of Gulf Arab states at an event (AFP)
Flags of Gulf Arab states at an event (AFP)
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How Gulf States View War Outlook, US-Iran Talks

Flags of Gulf Arab states at an event (AFP)
Flags of Gulf Arab states at an event (AFP)

Gulf Cooperation Council countries, under sustained Iranian attack, are closely tracking indirect US-Iran talks that Pakistan said on Thursday it is facilitating by relaying messages between the two sides.

Data monitored by Asharq Al-Awsat showed that by Wednesday evening, about 83% of Iran’s missile and drone attacks since the war entered its fourth week had targeted Gulf Arab states, compared with 17% aimed at Israel.

The tally recorded 4,391 missiles and drones striking Gulf countries, hitting critical infrastructure and civilian sites, versus 930 launched at Israel, which is leading the war.

Shaping the next phase

Gulf states on Thursday began to outline their stance on any negotiations over the conflict’s future.

Jasem Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, said the bloc must be included “in any talks or agreements to resolve this crisis,” to safeguard security and prevent further attacks.

He rejected any frameworks, initiatives, or regional arrangements aimed at reshaping the Middle East after this conflict ends, underscoring Gulf insistence on a role in defining the region’s next phase.

Diplomacy first

Albudaiwi said international law allows states multiple options under the UN Charter, but stressed that the most rational and effective option is the diplomatic and political one.

Ahmed Al-Ibrahim, a political analyst specializing in US affairs, said Gulf states view US-Iran talks with cautious realism.

They do not oppose negotiations, but want outcomes that address what they see as the core threat, not only Iran’s nuclear program, but also its ballistic missiles and regional influence in Yemen, Lebanon, and Iraq.

A joint statement by five Gulf states and Jordan on Wednesday condemned attacks by Iran-aligned factions in Iraq on regional countries and infrastructure. It urged Baghdad to act immediately to halt such attacks launched from its territory and avoid further escalation.

Trust frays

Al-Ibrahim said Gulf confidence in both sides is limited. That view was reinforced by remarks from the Saudi foreign minister last week that “trust in Iran has been shattered.”

Al-Budaiwi said GCC states were surprised by US-Israeli strikes on Iran and had made clear they would not take part in military action or allow their territory to be used against Iran.

Despite that, Tehran still carried out what he described as a “treacherous attack” on GCC states.

He expects Gulf countries to pursue a dual track, backing de-escalation while strengthening defenses and expanding security partnerships. The Gulf, he said, rejects “incomplete deals” that fail to change Iran’s behavior or ensure regional security.

Seat at the table

Gulf security specialist Dhafer Al-Ajmi said GCC participation in any US-Iran talks on regional security is a “sovereign right,” not a request.

“We will not accept having our future shaped in our absence. Our seat at the table is the only guarantee for real and lasting peace,” he said.

Al-Ajmi said Gulf states have borne the brunt of the war’s costs and tensions. Their participation, he said, aims to secure binding guarantees to protect livelihoods and stability.

Any deal that ignores sovereignty and non-interference would be “incomplete and doomed to fail.”

Political analyst Ibrahim Raihan said Gulf states, while showing “wisdom” in handling the crisis, support de-escalation in principle. But he said the root problem remains Iran’s conduct, particularly violations of Gulf sovereignty, despite efforts before the war to avert conflict.

Three demands

Raihan said both Iran and Israel are seeking to widen the war. He outlined three priorities for any negotiations: de-escalation, guarantees to protect shipping routes, and a clear Iranian apology to neighboring Arab states for violations of their sovereignty.

Separately, the United Nations Human Rights Council on Wednesday condemned Iranian attacks on Gulf states as “egregious” and called on Tehran to provide swift compensation to those affected.

Gulf

Albudaiwi: Regional Arrangements Excluding Gulf States Are Rejected

Albudaiwi affirmed that Gulf states had long been a pillar of regional and global stability (GCC)
Albudaiwi affirmed that Gulf states had long been a pillar of regional and global stability (GCC)
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Albudaiwi: Regional Arrangements Excluding Gulf States Are Rejected

Albudaiwi affirmed that Gulf states had long been a pillar of regional and global stability (GCC)
Albudaiwi affirmed that Gulf states had long been a pillar of regional and global stability (GCC)

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi on Thursday called for Gulf states to be included in talks or agreements to resolve the crisis between Iran and the US and Israel.

“We stress the importance of involving GCC countries in any talks or agreements to resolve this crisis, in a way that contributes to strengthening their security and stability,” said Albudaiwi.

He added that the bloc rejected “any arrangements intended to redraw the map of the Middle East after the conflict ends.”

He said the GCC’s first choice was a diplomatic and political solution, describing it as “the wisest and most successful option,” while noting that Gulf states were reviewing all options in line with international law and the UN Charter.

Speaking in Riyadh to Arab and foreign ambassadors, Albudaiwi urged partners to send a unified international message to Iran demanding an immediate and unconditional halt to attacks on GCC states.

He said the Gulf’s goal “has never been to destroy Iran or weaken it, but to reach a normal relationship based on mutual respect, non-interference and non-aggression.”

He rejected framing the situation as part of “Middle East complexities,” calling it “a blatant violation of international law” and “a systematic targeting” of states not involved in any conflict.

Albudaiwi said Gulf states would not accept becoming targets of aggression (GCC)

Albudaiwi said GCC states had long been a pillar of regional and global stability, a reliable energy source, and a responsible economic partner. But he said they would not accept becoming targets of aggression, arenas for regional rivalries, or seeing their citizens killed without accountability.

He said Iranian attacks over 25 days had exceeded 5,000 ballistic missiles and drones targeting GCC states.

Albudaiwi revealed that 85% of Iranian missiles launched in the war were aimed at Gulf states.

He praised Gulf air defenses for limiting the impact of the attacks, but said that this does not diminish the scale of the aggression or absolve Iran of full responsibility.

He said Iran had “crossed every line” by closing the Strait of Hormuz, blocking commercial ships and oil tankers, and imposing transit fees, in violation of international law.

He also cited repeated ship hijackings and attacks carried out through Iran’s regional proxies.

He warned that disruption to shipping would hit not only Gulf states but the global economy, especially as some countries face oil and gas shortages.

Albudaiwi explained that maritime passages are governed by international agreements, and no party can obstruct them or impose conditions.

The impact of closing the Strait of Hormuz may begin with higher energy prices, but its cumulative repercussions on the global economy, energy markets, marine insurance, and civil aviation would be catastrophic.

“What happens in the Strait of Hormuz does not stay in the Strait of Hormuz,” he added.

Albudaiwi said Gulf states were surprised by US and Israeli strikes on Iran, stressing they had made clear they would not take part in military action or allow their territory to be used against Iran, and had informed Tehran of that.

“Yet this position did not prevent it from attacking GCC states,” he said.

He said GCC states had shown restraint and chosen not to respond to avoid widening the conflict, and in the hope that Iran would come to its senses and stop these attacks.

He said Gulf states produce about 16 million barrels per day of crude oil, or 22% of global output, and account for 27% of global oil exports, or 11.5 million barrels per day.

They also hold 33% of global oil reserves and 21% of natural gas reserves.

These figures make the Gulf an indispensable pillar of the global economy, Albudaiwi affirmed, warning that any disruption would directly affect energy security and global economic stability.

Gulf

Zelenskyy Arrives in Jeddah

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv (AFP)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv (AFP)
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Zelenskyy Arrives in Jeddah

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv (AFP)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv (AFP)

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine arrived in Jeddah Thursday. At King Abdulaziz International Airport, he was welcomed by Deputy Governor of Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz and several other officials.

Zelenskiy said he would hold "important meetings" in the Kingdom as part of an effort to bolster ties with Middle East countries amid the Iran war.

"Arrived in Saudi Arabia. Important meetings are scheduled. We appreciate ⁠the support and support ‌those who ‌are ready to work ​with us ‌to ensure security," Zelenskyy wrote ‌on X.

Rustem Umerov, the head of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, accompanied Zelenskiy on the ‌visit.