Gulf Countries Demand to Be Part of Any Regional Security Agreement

Damage to the Kuwait-flagged Al-Salmi crude oil tanker, following a reported strike, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, March 31, 2026. (Kuwait Petroleum Corporation / Reuters)
Damage to the Kuwait-flagged Al-Salmi crude oil tanker, following a reported strike, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, March 31, 2026. (Kuwait Petroleum Corporation / Reuters)
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Gulf Countries Demand to Be Part of Any Regional Security Agreement

Damage to the Kuwait-flagged Al-Salmi crude oil tanker, following a reported strike, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, March 31, 2026. (Kuwait Petroleum Corporation / Reuters)
Damage to the Kuwait-flagged Al-Salmi crude oil tanker, following a reported strike, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, March 31, 2026. (Kuwait Petroleum Corporation / Reuters)

Defenses across the Gulf continued on Wednesday to shoot down dozens of rockets and drones from Iran targeting civilian and private property in blatant violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.

Amid the tensions, Gulf countries stressed on Tuesday the need for them to be part of any future security agreement covering the region. They underlined that their regional security is integral to any future arrangements.

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said Gulf countries share a united stance that calls for ending the escalation.

They are in agreement on the need to be main party to any agreement struck in the region, he told a press briefing.

The countries are in constant contact with each other to serve everyone’s interests, he went on to say.

"Several red lines have been crossed in this war, especially with the targeting of infrastructure and nuclear sites. Gulf leaders are working on ending the war," he stated.

He added that Qatar supports the Pakistan-led mediation to end the conflict, hoping they would lead to peace and de-escalation.

Al-Ansari also warned of the danger against marine navigation in the Gulf, saying the closure of the Hormuz Strait impacts global energy security.

He called against attacks on energy infrastructure, revealing: "We are acting with international partners over Hormuz and we are committed to the security of energy and supply chains."

Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani discussed Hormuz during a recent visit to Washington.

Moreover, Doha rejects attempts to drag it into the conflict, said al-Ansari, while also expressing concern over the possibility of an American ground operation in Iran.

On the ground, Saudi defenses intercepted and destroyed seven ballistic missiles fired at Riyadh and one fired at the Eastern Region.

Twelve drones were also destroyed on Tuesday, said Defense Ministry spokesman Turki al-Malki.

The civil defense, meanwhile, said shrapnel from a downed drone wounded two people and damaged three houses and several vehicles in the Al-Kharj region.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah activated a special operations room to facilitate the arrival of pilgrims amid the war. Efforts will aim to resolve all challenges and offer services to pilgrims arriving from outside the Kingdom, with cooperation being carried out between the General Authority of Civil Aviation and concerned parties to ensure their safety.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfig Al-Rabiah made the announcement during an Umrah forum in Madinah. He underlined the readiness of the ministry and concerned parties to handle emergencies amid the developments in the region.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani meet in Abu Dhabi. (WAM)

In Kuwait, a drone attack by Iran and its allies hit a fuel tank at Kuwait International Airport, sparking a fire, authorities said.

The state-run KUNA news agency said the attack early Wednesday sparked a "large fire" at the airport.

It said there were no immediate injuries from the attack and firefighters were working to control the blaze.

Kuwait International Airport has been attacked before by Iran during the war. The KUNA report suggested the attack may have been launched by Iranian-supported militias in Iraq with Tehran’s support.

The armed forces destroyed five hostile ballistic missiles and seven drones on Tuesday.

In another strike, Bahrain said early on Wednesday morning that it was working to extinguish a fire at a business facility that resulted from an Iranian attack.

A Bangladeshi national was killed by falling shrapnel after a drone interception in the United Arab Emirates, the official WAM news agency said on Wednesday.

"Shrapnel falling from the interception of a drone... resulted in the killing of a person of Bangladeshi nationality," WAM posted on X, adding that the incident happened in Fujairah.

On Tuesday, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held talks on regional developments in Abu Dhabi.

They tackled the impact of the war on the region, world and the global economy.

They discussed the terrorist Iranian attacks against the Gulf and that are targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure.



Saudi Crown Prince, Egyptian President Discuss Developments, Security of Navigation

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, holds talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi at Al-Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo - SPA
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, holds talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi at Al-Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo - SPA
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Saudi Crown Prince, Egyptian President Discuss Developments, Security of Navigation

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, holds talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi at Al-Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo - SPA
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, holds talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi at Al-Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo - SPA

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi held talks in Cairo on Tuesday on bilateral relations, as well as developments in the region and issues related to Middle East security and stability, leading with marine navigation and freedom. 

Crown Prince Mohammed had arrived in Egypt earlier on Tuesday on a working visit. He held a bilateral meeting with Sisi and an expanded session of talks. 

They discussed the strategic bilateral ties between their countries and means to develop and bolster them in various fields. They also tackled issues of common interest on the Arab and Islamic scenes, as well as regional developments. 

After his departure, Crown Prince Mohammed sent a cable to Sisi, saying the visit and talks underscore the strength of fraternal relations between Riyadh and Cairo and the joint desire to develop cooperation in all areas. 

It also reflects a will to continue coordination and consultations of issues on mutual interest under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Sisi. 

Official Spokesperson for the Egyptian Presidency Mohamed El-Shennawy said Crown Prince Mohammed and Sisi were in agreement that the security of Saudi Arabia and Gulf countries was indivisible from that of Egypt’s. 

He stressed Cairo’s complete condemnation of any attacks that harm the Kingdoms sovereignty and stability and that threaten freedom of navigation in international marine waterways. 

He said the circumstances in the region demand more solidarity and coordination between Saudi Arabia and Egypt, adding that their interests and goals “were one” and that they were in “absolute agreement.” 

The Crown Prince’s visit underscores the solidarity and fraternity between Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Gulf countries, he remarked. 

Observers told Asharq Al-Awsat that Red Sea security and means to secure international navigation were key aspects of cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Egypt, especially amid the developments in the region and threats to global supply chains. 

Saudi Arabia and Egypt had signed in September 2025 a cooperation protocol to support marine security within efforts to bolster military cooperation between their navies. 

International and regional affairs researcher Hani al-Gamal said the visit took place amid heightened tensions in the region and threats to Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb Strait security. 

He noted the ongoing crises in Gaza, Yemen, Sudan, Syria and others. 

Al-Gamal outlined three primary considerations for the visit: first, the changing nature of threats in the region as they begin to affect the security of maritime corridors, supply chains, energy, and international trade. Second, by virtue of the capabilities of both countries, coordination becomes "a necessity to protect Arab interests." 

As for the third consideration, al-Gamal said that the visit carries a message that relations are not limited to official communications or coordination, but are rather based on a strategic partnership that requires continuous updating in light of new developments. 


Saudi Crown Prince Arrives in Egypt

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi receives Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman upon his arrival in Cairo (SPA).
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi receives Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman upon his arrival in Cairo (SPA).
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Saudi Crown Prince Arrives in Egypt

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi receives Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman upon his arrival in Cairo (SPA).
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi receives Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman upon his arrival in Cairo (SPA).

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman arrived in Egypt on Tuesday, at the direction of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, on a working visit.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi was among those who received him upon his arrival.

The Saudi Crown Prince and the Egyptian President will discuss ways to strengthen the two countries’ fraternal bilateral relations, as well as issues of mutual interest.


MWL Condemns Continued Houthi Militia Attacks on Saudi Arabia

The Muslim World League (MWL) logo
The Muslim World League (MWL) logo
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MWL Condemns Continued Houthi Militia Attacks on Saudi Arabia

The Muslim World League (MWL) logo
The Muslim World League (MWL) logo

The Muslim World League (MWL) strongly condemned the continued aggression by the terrorist Houthi militia against the Kingdom, particularly its targeting of the cities of Khamis Mushait, Abha, and Taif with ballistic missiles and drones, resulting in injuries to civilians and damage to several residential homes and vehicles, SPA reported.

In a statement issued by the General Secretariat, MWL Secretary-General and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa reiterated his condemnation of these attacks that violate religious values, as well as international and humanitarian laws and norms.

He also reaffirmed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its support for all measures taken to deter aggression and safeguard the Kingdom's security, as well as the safety of its citizens and residents.