‘Iron Union 5’ Continues as Joint UAE-US Military Drill Promotes International Cooperation

UAE and US ground forces continue military exercises, Asharq Al-Awsat
UAE and US ground forces continue military exercises, Asharq Al-Awsat
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‘Iron Union 5’ Continues as Joint UAE-US Military Drill Promotes International Cooperation

UAE and US ground forces continue military exercises, Asharq Al-Awsat
UAE and US ground forces continue military exercises, Asharq Al-Awsat

The joint military drill between UAE and US ground forces has continued as part of their efforts to consolidate their bilateral relations and exchange their training and military expertise, to raise the combat efficiency and readiness of both armies.

Codenamed "Iron Union 5," the joint military exercise is an extension of a series of "Iran Claw" exercises, which fall under the plans and programs of the UAE ground forces to conduct such exercises with friendly countries, to exchange and develop their skills and enhance the combat readiness of their personnel, according to the latest advanced military systems.

Major General Saleh al-Amiri, commander of UAE ground forces, said the exercise is greatly important for developing and strengthening bilateral relations between the UAE and the US, particularly in the military and defense fields, raising efficiency and combat readiness, and exchanging military expertise.

He pointed out that the implementation of a number of joint exercises with friendly countries is a result of keenness of concerned authorities to raise the level of performance and efficiency of armed forces and to work in a team spirit with the armies of brotherly and friendly countries.

Such a move embodies a clear strategy aimed at improving the overall level and combat readiness of UAE armed forces.

During the visit, the commander of the ground forces met with a number of officers and members of the UAE and US ground forces and listened to brief tasks and duties carried out during the course of the exercise.

The "Iron Union 5," which was launched on the ground of the UAE on September 16, will last for several days. It includes the implementation of a number of tasks and duties to train, plan, execute and manage joint operations between different units of land forces in both countries and achieve the desired goal in facing challenges and crises which the world is witnessing today.

The exercise is also part of the vision of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the monitoring of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to upgrade the capabilities and boost the readiness of the UAE armed forces.

The exercise will also allow both armies to promote their international cooperation in joint military operations, to address current global challenges and crises.



Saudi Arabia Welcomes Security Council Resolution Condemning Iran’s Attacks on the Gulf, Jordan

The Saudi flag with its great connotations that refer to unification, justice, strength, growth and prosperity (SPA)
The Saudi flag with its great connotations that refer to unification, justice, strength, growth and prosperity (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Welcomes Security Council Resolution Condemning Iran’s Attacks on the Gulf, Jordan

The Saudi flag with its great connotations that refer to unification, justice, strength, growth and prosperity (SPA)
The Saudi flag with its great connotations that refer to unification, justice, strength, growth and prosperity (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the United Nations Security Council’s adoption of Resolution 2817, which was submitted by the Kingdom together with Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Jordan.

The resolution strongly condemns the dreadful attacks carried out by Iran against the territories of the Gulf States and Jordan, and affirms that these actions constitute a violation of international law and pose a serious threat to international peace and security.

Saudi Arabia expressed its support for the resolution’s clauses, particularly its condemnation of attacks on residential areas and civilian objects, the resulting civilian casualties, and the damage inflicted on civilian infrastructure. Saudi Arabia also reaffirmed its solidarity with the affected countries and their peoples.

The Saudi Ministry highlighted the broad international backing for the resolution, as well as the widespread global condemnation of these flagrant Iranian attacks. It called for their immediate and unconditional cessation and urged an end to any form of provocation or threats against neighboring states, including actions carried out through proxy actors.

The Kingdom reaffirmed the principles outlined in the resolution and stressed that it retains its full right to take all necessary measures to safeguard its security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and to deter further aggression, in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.

 


UN Security Council Condemns Iranian Attacks on the Gulf

The Security Council during its meeting on Wednesday (EPA)
The Security Council during its meeting on Wednesday (EPA)
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UN Security Council Condemns Iranian Attacks on the Gulf

The Security Council during its meeting on Wednesday (EPA)
The Security Council during its meeting on Wednesday (EPA)

In a resolution supported by 135 UN member states, the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday strongly condemned Iranian aggressions targeting Gulf states and Jordan, demanding that Tehran respects freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab in accordance with international laws.

On Wednesday, the 15-member Council adopted resolution 2817 by a vote of 13 in favor, including the US, France, UK, Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, Somalia, Bahrain, Columbia, the Republic of Congo, Latvia and Liberia, to none against, with 2 abstentions (China and Russia). The resolution was cosponsored by an extraordinary 135 other UN member states.

The resolution, drafted by Bahrain on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, reiterated its strong support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan.

It condemned in the “strongest terms the egregious attacks” by Iran against the territories of the mentioned countries and determined that such acts constitute a breach of international law and are a serious threat to international peace and security.

The resolution condemned assaults on residential areas and civilian objects, and expressed solidarity with the countries that have come under attack and their people.

It also demanded immediate cessation of all attacks by Iran against the GCC countries and Jordan and that Tehran “immediately and unconditionally” cease from any provocation or threats to neighboring states, including the use of proxies.

The resolution called upon Iran to refrain immediately from any actions or threats and to comply fully with its obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, particularly regarding the protection of civilians and civilian objects in armed conflict.

Additionally, it reaffirmed that the exercise of navigational rights and freedoms by merchant and commercial vessels, in accordance with international law, must be respected, particularly around critical maritime routes, and took note of the right of member states, in accordance with international law, to “defend their vessels from attacks and provocations, including those that undermine navigational rights and freedoms.”

The resolution condemned any actions or threats by Iran aimed at closing, obstructing, or otherwise interfering with international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, or threatening maritime security in the Bab al-Mandab.

It warned that any attempt to impede lawful passage or freedom of navigation in these international waterways constitutes a serious threat to international peace.

After the vote, Bahrain’s ambassador to the UN, Jamal Alrowaiei, expressed his “deepest gratitude” on behalf of the GCC.

“The fact that 135 countries co-sponsored this resolution bears witness to a collective conscience of just how dangerous Iran’s attacks are against the GCC and Jordan,” Alrowaiei told the Security Council.


Saudi Defense Minister Discusses Regional Security in Calls with Korean, Romanian, and Turkish Counterparts

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz
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Saudi Defense Minister Discusses Regional Security in Calls with Korean, Romanian, and Turkish Counterparts

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz held a series of phone calls with several defense counterparts to discuss the latest regional developments and their implications for security and stability, the Saudi Press Agency said Thursday.

During a call with Korean Minister of National Defense Ahn Gyu-back, the two sides condemned the brutal Iranian attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and reviewed the latest developments in the region and their implications for regional and international security and stability.

In a separate call with Romanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Radu Miruta, the ministers condemned the criminal Iranian attacks against Saudi Arabia and discussed the ongoing regional escalation and its impact on security and stability in the region and beyond.

The Saudi Minister also held a telephone conversation with Turkish Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler, during which the two sides condemned Iran’s aggression against Saudi Arabia, as well as hostile Iranian attacks targeting Türkiye.

They also discussed the repercussions of the ongoing escalation in the region on regional and international security and affirmed solidarity in measures aimed at safeguarding the security and stability of their countries.