عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Arab World

Bahrain’s King: Any Threat to Freedom of Navigation Is Disruption to World Trade

Bahrain’s King Hamad Al Khalifa during the second session of the fifth Legislative Term of the Shura and Representatives councils (BNA)
Bahrain’s King Hamad Al Khalifa during the second session of the fifth Legislative Term of the Shura and Representatives councils (BNA)
TT
TT

Bahrain’s King: Any Threat to Freedom of Navigation Is Disruption to World Trade

Bahrain’s King Hamad Al Khalifa during the second session of the fifth Legislative Term of the Shura and Representatives councils (BNA)
Bahrain’s King Hamad Al Khalifa during the second session of the fifth Legislative Term of the Shura and Representatives councils (BNA)

Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa warned on Sunday that any threat to freedom of navigation is considered a disruption to world trade and oil prices and a challenge to the global order.

King Hamad was speaking at the second session of the fifth Legislative Term of the Shura and Representatives councils.

“One-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply is launched from the waters of the Arabian Gulf, and any threat to the freedom of navigation is therefore considered a disruption to world trade, a disturbance to oil prices, and a challenge to the global order,” he said.

The monarch urged the international community to come together to take firm steps to deter aggressors and force them to respect international maritime safety laws and treaties, in order to maintain international peace and security.

He asked the government and authorities to uphold the rule of law and establish its sovereignty, by continuing to advance the justice sector, its institutions, services, and procedures.

Bahrain continues to pay close attention to the oil and gas sector in light of the major discoveries recently announced, King Hamad stated, adding that authorities will accelerate the pace of development of such projects.

A series of major development projects will also be launched, including the largest expansion of the Bapco refinery, the expansion of Banagas, the opening of the liquefied gas terminal Alba’s Line 6 project, and the operation of the new pipeline with Saudi Arabia.

“In light of our serious endeavors towards a modern, knowledge-based economy, we direct the government to undertake the development of a comprehensive national plan to ensure that we are fully prepared to meet the needs of the digital economy,” urged the King.

He explained that this could be achieved through the adoption of artificial intelligence technologies in the production and service sectors and implementation of necessary systems and technical frameworks. It addition, it can be attained through encouraging quality investments, in order to guarantee the maximum benefit to Bahrain’s national economy, he concluded.

Most Viewed

 
 
Arab World

Baghdad Urges Washington to Prevent ‘Imminent’ Israeli Strikes

Sudani visiting a market in Baghdad on Thursday (Government media)
Sudani visiting a market in Baghdad on Thursday (Government media)
TT
TT

Baghdad Urges Washington to Prevent ‘Imminent’ Israeli Strikes

Sudani visiting a market in Baghdad on Thursday (Government media)
Sudani visiting a market in Baghdad on Thursday (Government media)

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani on Thursday called on major powers to “exert greater efforts to end the war in Palestine and Lebanon.” Meanwhile, an Iraqi government official urged the United States to “prevent any attacks on the country,” referring to potential Israeli strikes.
During a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Al-Sudani stressed the importance of ensuring the conflict does not escalate “to a level that threatens regional and global stability.”
The Iraqi prime minister’s appeal comes amid reports suggesting that Israel may launch strikes on Iraq in retaliation for attacks by Iraqi armed factions targeting Israeli positions.
The Iraqi government is striving to assert its exclusive authority over weapons and war-related decisions. However, armed factions affiliated with the Axis of Resistance openly claim responsibility for near-daily rocket attacks on Israel. This has provided Israel with a justification for potentially targeting Iraqi territory, especially after it filed a complaint with the UN Security Council against six Iraqi factions and held Baghdad responsible for the attacks.
These factions have also openly declared their involvement in the ongoing conflict with Israel in Lebanon and Gaza. The Iraqi government has been unable to take decisive action to halt the activities of these factions, which many believe could soon expose Iraq to an Israeli strike.
According to media reports, Washington has warned Baghdad that Israeli airstrikes on Iraq are “imminent” unless the Iraqi government curtails attacks by Iranian-backed factions on Israel. The Times of Israel cited sources indicating that the United States has “exhausted all means of pressure on Israel” and urged Iraq to act swiftly to prevent such attacks.
Despite repeated assurances from the Iraqi government—including its recent adoption of 12 measures by the National Security Council to counter Israeli threats and complaints—the situation remains tense. These measures include monitoring Iraq’s western borders, preventing factions from launching attacks, and maintaining Iraq’s neutrality in the ongoing conflict.
On Wednesday, Abu Hussein Al-Hamidawi, Secretary-General of Kata’ib Hezbollah, made a striking statement on the role of resistance factions in the war and their commitment to the Unity of Fronts doctrine frequently mentioned by Axis of Resistance groups.
In an interview published by the faction’s media arm, Al-Hamidawi said: “The continuity of the Unity of Fronts concept depends on what the Lebanese Hezbollah decides.”
Al-Hamidawi also emphasized that resistance factions are constantly coordinating internally and with external partners such as Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Palestinian resistance leaders.
“We aim to ensure that the Palestinian people are not left alone and that the Unity of Fronts remains intact,” he stated.
Fadi Al-Shammari, a political advisor to Sudani, reiterated that Israel’s threats “are not new,” citing the recent complaint filed by Israel with the UN Security Council as part of its pattern of issuing threats.
In media statements, Al-Shammari reaffirmed the Iraqi government’s long-standing position: “The decision of war and peace lies solely with the Iraqi government.”
He noted that the factions’ attacks are being launched from areas outside Iraq’s borders, specifically from Syria. However, he stressed that the Iraqi government is working through its security and military agencies to prevent Iraq from becoming a battlefield for external or internal parties.
Al-Shammari also called on the United States to fulfill its responsibilities under the Strategic Framework Agreement and security pact with Iraq, emphasizing the need to deter and respond to any external attacks that threaten Iraq’s internal security.