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Extraordinary Doha Summit Tackles Response to Israeli Attack

A handout photo made available by the Turkish Foreign Minister's Press Office shows delegations at the Foreign Ministers Meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation-Arab League Joint Extraordinary Summit in Doha, Qatar, 14 September 2025. (EPA/Turkish Foreign Minister Press Office Handout)
A handout photo made available by the Turkish Foreign Minister's Press Office shows delegations at the Foreign Ministers Meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation-Arab League Joint Extraordinary Summit in Doha, Qatar, 14 September 2025. (EPA/Turkish Foreign Minister Press Office Handout)
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Extraordinary Doha Summit Tackles Response to Israeli Attack

A handout photo made available by the Turkish Foreign Minister's Press Office shows delegations at the Foreign Ministers Meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation-Arab League Joint Extraordinary Summit in Doha, Qatar, 14 September 2025. (EPA/Turkish Foreign Minister Press Office Handout)
A handout photo made available by the Turkish Foreign Minister's Press Office shows delegations at the Foreign Ministers Meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation-Arab League Joint Extraordinary Summit in Doha, Qatar, 14 September 2025. (EPA/Turkish Foreign Minister Press Office Handout)

Arab and Muslim leaders will meet in Doha on Monday to issue a joint response to the Israeli attack on Qatar on Tuesday that targeted Hamas leaders.

Fifty-seven foreign ministers and representatives of the Arab and Muslim countries met in Doha on Sunday for a preparatory meeting ahead of the Arab-Islamic summit.

The Qatari Foreign Ministry said the summit reflects Arab and Islamic solidarity against Israel.

Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani told the FMs on Sunday that his country “will not be lenient with any violation of its sovereignty or threat to its national security.”

Doha will confront any threat in line with international laws, he vowed.

He described Israel’s attack as a “dangerous precedent” that demands Arab and Islamic countries to work together to confront it.

Moreover, he stressed that the Israeli government’s actions are an open declaration that “Israel has no red lines that rein in its behavior and that it is forging ahead in destabilizing any country in the world and undermining any diplomatic efforts that go against its agenda.”

“We must not remain silent or be lenient with this barbaric behavior,” he urged, calling for “real and tangible measures on various levels” to prevent more attacks, which if left unconfronted, will continue.

Sheikh Mohammed said that Qatar will continue to act as mediator to reach a ceasefire in the war on Gaza.

“Israel’s practices will not deter us from continuing our dedicated efforts with Egypt and the United States to end this unjust war,” he went on to say.

Sunday’s meeting was attended by several officials, including Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan was also in Doha.

Qatari Foreign Ministry Majed bin Mohammed al-Ansari said the summit reflects Arab and Islamic solidarity with Qatar against “the cowardly Israeli aggression that targeted Hamas leaders.”

“It reflects their categorical rejection of state terrorism adopted by Israel,” he added in a post on the X platform.

Five Hamas members and a member of the Qatari security forces were killed in the Israeli strike.

Several Arab and Muslim leaders, including Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, have arrived in Doha for Monday’s summit. Iran confirmed that President Masoud Pezeshkian will attend. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani will head to Doha, while the Turkish presidency said Recep Tayyib Erdogan will also visit the Qatari capital.

International condemnation

The attack on Qatar sparked wide Arab and international condemnation.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, telephoned Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani soon after the attack to express the Kingdom’s solidarity and support.

US President Donald Trump also expressed his solidarity, saying Washington was upset with the attack.

Trump has distanced himself from the strike, saying it “does not advance Israel or America’s goals” and has promised Qatar that it would not be repeated.

On Friday, Trump met with PM Sheikh Mohammed in New York. The Qatari PM also met with Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.

The US stressed that Qatar was a “trusted strategic ally”, also joining a UN Security Council statement condemning the strike without mentioning Israel by name.

At a UN Security Council meeting Thursday, Sheikh Mohammed accused Israel of not caring about the hostages held in Gaza because of the strike, but said Qatar would continue “our diplomatic role without any hesitation in order to stop the bloodshed.”

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Gulf

Saudi Leadership Congratulates Syrian President on Liberation Day

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, meets with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Doha on September 15, 2025. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, meets with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Doha on September 15, 2025. (SPA)
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Saudi Leadership Congratulates Syrian President on Liberation Day

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, meets with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Doha on September 15, 2025. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, meets with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Doha on September 15, 2025. (SPA)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud sent on Monday a cable of congratulations to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on his country's Liberation Day.

King Salman wished the president continued good health and happiness, and the government and people of Syria steady progress and prosperity.

He praised the fraternal relations that unite the two countries and their peoples, noting that all parties are committed to strengthening and developing these ties across all fields.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent Sharaa a similar cable on the occasion.

Gulf

Saudi Arabia, Qatar Sign Strategic Deals, Deepen Cooperation Across Key Sectors

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, holding talks with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh - SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, holding talks with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh - SPA
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Saudi Arabia, Qatar Sign Strategic Deals, Deepen Cooperation Across Key Sectors

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, holding talks with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh - SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, holding talks with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh - SPA

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia met with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh on Monday, during which they held official talks and reviewed close bilateral relations, discussed prospects for cooperation, and explored ways to develop relations in various fields.

"Both sides commended the positive outcomes of their reciprocal fraternal visits, which have contributed to enhancing the level of cooperation between the two countries," read a joint statement issued at the conclusion of the Qatari Emir's visit.

"In an atmosphere of cordiality, fraternity, and mutual trust, the eighth meeting of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council was held during the visit, co-chaired by HRH the Crown Prince and the Amir of Qatar, with the council members in attendance. The two chairmen reviewed the distinguished bilateral relations, commended the achievements made within the framework of the council, and emphasized the importance of continuing to support and develop joint coordination in priority areas, including political, security, military, energy, industrial, economic, investment, trade, technology, infrastructure, culture, tourism, and education," the statement noted.

Both sides commended the strength of economic ties and the remarkable growth in bilateral trade, which reached $930.3 million in 2024 (excluding re-exported goods), marking a substantial 634% increase compared to 2021.

They also stressed the importance of strengthening joint efforts to diversify and increase trade, facilitate its flow, overcome any challenges, and capitalize on available opportunities in priority sectors within the framework of Saudi Vision 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030, SPA reported.

According to the statement, the two sides stressed the need to transform these opportunities into tangible partnerships that support the concept of economic and trade integration. They also welcomed sustainable bilateral investment cooperation through partnerships between investment funds and companies, emphasizing the importance of intensifying reciprocal visits between officials and holding investment meetings and business forums.

"The leaders stressed the importance of enhancing the reliability and stability of global energy markets and ensuring the security of supplies for all energy sources globally, serving the interests of both producers and consumers and supporting global economic growth. They expressed their desire to explore ways to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector, including electricity, renewable energy, and energy efficiency, and to develop mutually beneficial projects," the statement said.

They emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation in developing and sustaining energy supply chains and enabling collaboration between companies to maximize the utilization of local resources in both countries. Furthermore, they agreed on the need to strengthen cooperation on climate policies within international agreements and regional and international bodies, working to ensure that these policies focus on emissions rather than sources, according to SPA.

The two sides also agreed on the importance of enhancing cooperation in the digital economy and innovation; industry and mining; accelerating joint efforts on industrial integration; youth, sports, and cultural programs and activities; education, including establishing joint high-quality academic programs; media, including raising the level of credibility of media content, joint media production, and media coverage of events; cybersecurity; and health.

On the defense and security front, both sides affirmed their commitment to strengthening and developing the defense partnership, coordinating positions in confronting regional challenges, and enhancing security and stability at the regional and international levels.

They commended the existing level of security cooperation and coordination in all security fields, including the exchange of expertise, information in passenger security, holding training courses, participation in cybersecurity conferences, border security, combating drugs, extremism, terrorism and their financing, and combating crime in all its forms. They expressed their commitment to strengthening this cooperation to achieve security and stability in both brotherly countries.

Both sides welcomed the signing of the agreement for the high-speed electric passenger railway project connecting Riyadh and Doha, passing through Dammam and Hofuf. They emphasized the project's status as a major strategic initiative, aligning with the goals of both Saudi Vision 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030. This railway connection is anticipated to significantly facilitate tourism and trade, further strengthening the ties between the two nations.

The two sides also welcomed the signing of several other agreements and memoranda of understanding during the visit. These covered key areas including rail transport, investment promotion, food security, media, and cooperation in the non-profit sector.
On the international front, Saudi Arabia and Qatar reaffirmed their commitment to continued coordination and intensified efforts to maintain international peace and security. They exchanged views on various regional and international issues of mutual interest. The Saudi side commended Qatar’s recent ratification of the Global Water Organization charter, recognizing its aim to strengthen global efforts to address water challenges and find comprehensive solutions.

According to SPA, at the conclusion of the visit, Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani expressed his gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and to the Crown Prince for the warm reception and generous hospitality. The Crown Prince reciprocated, conveying best wishes for the continued health of the Amir and for the further progress and prosperity of the Qatari people."

Later in the day, the Saudi Crown Prince bid farewell to Sheikh Tamim as he departed Riyadh.

Gulf

GCC Secretary-General Condemns Iranian Officials' Statements on Member States' Sovereignty

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC
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GCC Secretary-General Condemns Iranian Officials' Statements on Member States' Sovereignty

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

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi expressed the GCC states’ denunciation of the media statements made by Iranian officials regarding the GCC states.

"These statements contained fallacies, false claims, and rejected allegations that contradict the principles of non-interference in internal affairs and good neighborliness—principles which Iran violated through its aggression against the sovereignty and independence of the State of Qatar," Albudaiwi stated.

Furthermore, he noted that these statements contradict the GCC states' continuous efforts to enhance relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran at all levels, SPA reported.

"The GCC states have consistently reaffirmed the importance of adhering to the foundations and principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and international law, including the principles of good neighborliness, respect for state sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, the peaceful resolution of disputes, and refraining from the use or threat of force," Albudaiwi emphasized.

He added that the GCC states have consistently demonstrated goodwill towards Iran, stressing their keenness on Iran's security and stability to preserve the interests of the Iranian people and to spare the region the repercussions of tension and escalation.

"This commitment was underlined during the joint meetings between the GCC foreign ministers and Iranian Foreign Minister Dr. Seyyed Abbas Araghchi. The council member states have also underscored the significance of continuing bilateral communication between the GCC and Iran to enhance shared interests and maintain regional security and stability," he pointed out.

Moreover, Albudaiwi affirmed the GCC states' commitment to peace, coexistence, and pursuing dialogue and diplomatic solutions in international relations. He called on Iran to cease spreading false claims that undermine trust and hinder communication and understanding, at a time when the countries of the region need rapprochement and cooperation to safeguard their interests and achieve their peoples' aspirations for security, stability, growth, and prosperity.