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 Arabia Strengthens Water Security in 14 Yemeni Governorates with 62 Projects

The projects and initiatives have helped provide sustainable sources of safe freshwater. (SPA)
The projects and initiatives have helped provide sustainable sources of safe freshwater. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Strengthens Water Security in 14 Yemeni Governorates with 62 Projects

The projects and initiatives have helped provide sustainable sources of safe freshwater. (SPA)
The projects and initiatives have helped provide sustainable sources of safe freshwater. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia has provided 62 water projects and development initiatives across 14 Yemeni governorates to improve distribution, expand access to safe drinking water and strengthen water security in urban and rural areas.

Implemented through the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY), the initiatives have helped secure sustainable freshwater supplies, improve the efficiency of water systems, reduce losses and strengthen local communities’ ability to manage their resources.

The projects have met 100% of water needs in the Al-Ghaydah, Al-Mahra Governorate, 50% in Socotra Governorate and part of the demand in Aden Governorate, helping improve the continuity and reliability of water services.

The program combines infrastructure development with modern technology and environmental and operational sustainability. Its work includes building and upgrading water networks, connecting Yemeni communities to water sources and using renewable energy to power wells and pumps.

These measures have also improved production and distribution efficiency, reduced operating costs and extended water services to areas most in need.

Sustainable water resource management

The program has supported agriculture by introducing modern irrigation systems, including drip irrigation, to improve water-use efficiency, reduce waste and promote sustainable agricultural production and food security.

In Socotra, a project to establish an integrated water system for a sustainable freshwater supply illustrates this approach by diversifying water sources, upgrading supply networks and strengthening resource sustainability.

Efforts have also focused on empowering local communities and building technical and institutional capacity through training programs designed to develop the skills of workers and beneficiaries in water resource management, system operation and maintenance.

SDRPY has conducted awareness campaigns to encourage community participation and promote sustainable water consumption and management practices, helping maintain services and improve the long-term operational efficiency of the projects.

Strategic solutions

In January, SDRPY announced a project to establish Yemen’s first desalination plant of its kind in the Aden Governorate, using modern desalination technology to expand freshwater supplies and reduce the depletion of water resources.

The project is intended to strengthen water security and improve living conditions.

It also includes transferring Saudi expertise and training Yemeni personnel in saline water desalination to boost technical and operational capabilities and ensure the sustainability of services in the governorate.

Saudi Arabia’s support for Yemen’s water sector forms part of a broader development effort implemented through SDRPY in coordination with the Yemeni government and local authorities.

The program has undertaken 300 development projects and initiatives across 16 Yemeni governorates, covering eight sectors: education, health, energy, water, transport, agriculture and fisheries, development programs, and capacity building and support for the Yemeni government.

Together, these efforts aim to strengthen coordination among development initiatives and deliver lasting improvements in essential services and living conditions for Yemenis.


Saudi Foreign Minister Discusses Regional Security with Russian, Canadian Counterparts

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov (SPA)
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Saudi Foreign Minister Discusses Regional Security with Russian, Canadian Counterparts

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov (SPA)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, on the sidelines of the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in Atlanta, Georgia on Friday.

The talks focused on bilateral relations and key regional developments, including the escalating security situation in Yemen and ongoing threats to maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The ministers also discussed efforts to strengthen regional security and stability.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand

Prince Faisal also held talks with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand on bilateral relations and the latest regional developments. The two ministers condemned continued Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and underscored the importance of joint efforts to strengthen regional security and stability.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and EU European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas

The Saudi minister also met European Union foreign policy chief and European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas. The two sides underscored the importance of promoting security and stability in the region.


Bin Farhan, Rubio Sign Agreement Formalizing US Participation in Expo 2030 Riyadh

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
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Bin Farhan, Rubio Sign Agreement Formalizing US Participation in Expo 2030 Riyadh

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed an agreement on Friday formalizing Washington’s participation in Expo 2030 Riyadh as an official participant.

The agreement establishes a framework for both countries to move forward with preparations for the event, underscoring the expo’s commitment to promoting international cooperation and strengthening partnerships with participating nations.

The Saudi foreign minister also held talks with his US counterpart on the sidelines of the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in Atlanta, Georgia.

The discussions covered the strategic partnership between the two countries, ways to expand cooperation in key areas of mutual interest, and regional developments. The ministers also exchanged views on efforts to address the challenges facing the region.