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.



GCC, India Discuss Ministerial Meeting Set to be Held Next Month

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
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GCC, India Discuss Ministerial Meeting Set to be Held Next Month

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi met in Riyadh on Sunday with Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Shri Vipul.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed a number of topics of common interest, most notably relations between the GCC and India, and ways to develop and enhance them in a manner that serves common interests.

They also discussed the latest developments regarding the launch of negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the GCC and India, signed in February 2026, in addition to preparations for the GCC-India ministerial meeting scheduled to be held next September.

The two officials also exchanged views on the latest developments in the region and the world, affirming the importance of continuing coordination and consultation on issues of common interest.


GCC Secretary-General Holds Separate Meetings with South Korean, Georgian Ambassadors

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi
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GCC Secretary-General Holds Separate Meetings with South Korean, Georgian Ambassadors

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi met in Riyadh on Sunday with South Korean Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Kang Shin-chul.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed several topics of common interest, most notably GCC-Korean ties and the latest developments on the signing of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the GCC and South Korea, SPA reported.

They also exchanged views on developments in the region, and international and regional efforts aimed at enhancing security and stability.

Albudaiwi also met with Ambassador of Georgia to the Kingdom Nikoloz Revazishvili.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed a number of topics related to strengthening relations between the GCC and Georgia, as well as ways to develop them in a manner that serves common interests, including the latest developments regarding the Joint Action Plan for 2022–2026.

They also discussed the latest developments in the region and the world and exchanged views on a number of issues of common interest.


Senior Officials, Business Leaders to Attend French-Saudi Roundtable on Monday

Saudi Crown Prince during a previous meeting with the French president at the Élysée Palace in Paris (SPA).
Saudi Crown Prince during a previous meeting with the French president at the Élysée Palace in Paris (SPA).
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Senior Officials, Business Leaders to Attend French-Saudi Roundtable on Monday

Saudi Crown Prince during a previous meeting with the French president at the Élysée Palace in Paris (SPA).
Saudi Crown Prince during a previous meeting with the French president at the Élysée Palace in Paris (SPA).

As part of the official visit of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to France, Paris will host the French-Saudi Investment Roundtable Meeting on Monday.

Organized by the Ministry of Investment, the roundtable will bring together senior government officials, business leaders, and CEOs of major companies from both countries.

The roundtable will feature strategic discussions among business leaders on industrial partnerships, transportation and logistics, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure. Several agreements and memoranda of understanding covering a range of sectors are also expected to be signed.

The meeting builds on the growing economic and investment ties between Saudi Arabia and France.

It supports joint efforts to expand cooperation, strengthen partnerships between the two countries’ business communities, and translate promising opportunities into high-quality investments and projects that advance their shared interests.