عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Gulf

Washington Welcomes GCC Letter to Extend Iran Arms Embargo

Washington Welcomes GCC Letter to Extend Iran Arms Embargo
TT
TT

Washington Welcomes GCC Letter to Extend Iran Arms Embargo

Washington Welcomes GCC Letter to Extend Iran Arms Embargo

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo welcomed a letter by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) backing an extension of a United Nations arms embargo on Iran, just two months before it is set to expire.

In an interview with Fox News, Pompeo expressed US keenness on implementing all regulations and sanctions against Iran because its access to weapons would destabilize the Middle East and jeopardize the UAE and Saudi Arabia. He stressed that the Middle East countries should seek the truth, especially amid news circulating about possible military and commercial agreements with China.

General-Secretary Nayef al-Hajraf sent a letter to the UN Security Council on behalf of the six GCC countries, backing an extension of the arms embargo on Iran. The six countries are Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar.

The GCC Secretary-General pointed out that Iran has continued to arm terrorist and sectarian organizations and movements throughout the region, the council said in a statement.

While political and diplomatic sources reported that Washington postponed submission of the draft in order to finish consultations and mobilization, they added that the draft requires a minimum of nine votes to be approved under the condition that Russia and China don't use the veto.

The US is facing international challenges inside the Security Council to persuade its members to extend the embargo, amid a tug-of-war with China and Russia as they wish to exploit this issue to push the US towards concessions.

The US warned that in case it failed to extend the embargo, then it will renew the US sanctions against Iran - a move known as snapback – this process was agreed upon when signing the nuclear deal with Iran in 2015.

Several analysts and experts believe that Trump’s administration might have no other option but to implement this mechanism. The concession at this phase – close to presidential elections - would send a negative message to democratic rivals who might exploit this in their election rallies.

Most Viewed

 
 
Gulf

Qatar Says Iran Must Halt Attacks before Any Talks

Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari. (Qatari Foreign Ministry)
Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari. (Qatari Foreign Ministry)
TT
TT

Qatar Says Iran Must Halt Attacks before Any Talks

Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari. (Qatari Foreign Ministry)
Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari. (Qatari Foreign Ministry)

Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari stressed on Tuesday that Iran needed to halt its attacks before any talks can be held.

Speaking at a press conference in Doha, he said Qatar is being attacked daily by Iran, “so we cannot speak of any talks with it before it ceases its assaults.”

Contacts are ongoing with all parties to ensure an end to the conflict, he added, while accusing Iran of attacking civilian infrastructure in Qatar.

Moreover, he described as a “dangerous precedent” Iran’s attacks on energy facilities, saying they will cause economic losses in the region and have global consequences.

“The best solution lies in ending attacks on our energy facilities,” al-Ansari said in response to whether escorting ships in the Hormuz Strait was a viable option.

He revealed that since the eruption of the war, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani had held only one telephone call with Iran’s foreign minister.

However, channels of contact with Tehran have not been completely severed, al-Ansari said. Doha is now focusing on de-escalation and ending the attacks.

Furthermore, he hoped that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s apology to Gulf countries over the attacks would have actually meant that they would end.

Instead, the attacks continued, rendering the apology meaningless, al-Ansari stressed.

“Any attack on Qatar will be handled in the appropriate manner,” he went on to say. “Confronting the Iranian aggression has become a priority given its impact on Qatar’s and the global economy.”

Al-Ansari said the armed forces have succeeded in defending the nation and repelling rocket and drone attacks that have targeted vital and civilian installations.

Qatar still believes in diplomacy and welcomes any role that can end the war, he continued. “Attacks against Qatar and its people are unacceptable. Leaders are working tirelessly to stop the assaults.”

Earlier, the Defense Ministry said the armed forces repelled a rocket attack.

On Monday, Doha confronted 17 ballistic missile and six drone attacks.

Gulf

King of Bahrain: We Are Keen on Bolstering Ties with Our Surroundings

King Hamad hailed the dedicated and valuable efforts of the RBAF servicemen. (BNA)
King Hamad hailed the dedicated and valuable efforts of the RBAF servicemen. (BNA)
TT
TT

King of Bahrain: We Are Keen on Bolstering Ties with Our Surroundings

King Hamad hailed the dedicated and valuable efforts of the RBAF servicemen. (BNA)
King Hamad hailed the dedicated and valuable efforts of the RBAF servicemen. (BNA)

Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, visited the Royal Bahraini Air Force (RBAF) on Monday to review operational readiness and capabilities.

He inspected combat aircraft operated by the Bahrain Defense Force, which are among the most advanced of their kind in the world, reported the kingdom’s state news agency BNA.

King Hamad hailed the dedicated and valuable efforts of the RBAF servicemen, commending their combat readiness and high level of skill as they stand united in joint operations with their counterparts in air defense and various units of the Bahrain Defense Force in carrying out their national duty to defend the kingdom, safeguard the security of its citizens, and protect its development process.

Bahrain will remain steadfast in its approach grounded in wisdom, moderation, and the promotion of peace and cooperation, continuing with confidence to fulfill its national and humanitarian responsibilities while strengthening its relations with its Arab, regional, and international partners in ways that support the security and stability of the region, he stressed.

He also praised the professionalism, discipline, and strong sense of responsibility demonstrated by Bahrain Defense Force servicemen across their various posts, emphasizing that the Bahrain Defense Force will remain committed to its role in safeguarding security, stability, and development of the kingdom.

Gulf

Kuwaiti Emir Condemns 'Brutal Iran Attack’, Affirms Right to Self-Defense

Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah speaks in a televised address on the occasion of the last 10 nights of Ramadan (KUNA) 
Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah speaks in a televised address on the occasion of the last 10 nights of Ramadan (KUNA) 
TT
TT

Kuwaiti Emir Condemns 'Brutal Iran Attack’, Affirms Right to Self-Defense

Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah speaks in a televised address on the occasion of the last 10 nights of Ramadan (KUNA) 
Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah speaks in a televised address on the occasion of the last 10 nights of Ramadan (KUNA) 

Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah said on Monday his country, where 12 people were killed, has been subjected to a brutal attack by Iran, despite not allowing the use of its land, airspace, or coasts for any military action against the Iranian Republic.

On Feb. 28, the United States and Israel launched a surprise strike against Iran, which responded by firing ballistic missiles on lands and facilities in Gulf countries and Jordan.

In a televised address on the occasion of the last 10 nights of Ramadan, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad stressed Kuwait's full and inherent right to self-defense in response to Iran’s blatant aggression.

“Our country has been subjected to a brutal attack by a neighboring Muslim country, which we consider a friend, even though we have not permitted the use of our land, airspace, or coasts for any military action against it, and we have repeatedly informed them of this through our diplomatic channels,” he said.

The Emir insisted on Kuwait's full and inherent right to self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, in response to this blatant aggression, in a manner proportionate to the scale and nature of the attack and in accordance with international law, including taking all necessary measures to protect its territory, its people, and residents while preserving its sovereignty, security, and stability.

Addressing Kuwaiti nationals, he said, “I address you tonight... during a period in which the region is witnessing rapid developments, increasing tensions, and an unprecedented escalation.”

He said that awareness of current developments is no longer a choice but a national necessity that allows for the accurate interpretation of developments, understanding potential political and security challenges, and dealing with them rationally and responsibly, without neither exaggeration nor underestimation.

The Emir praised the Kuwaiti Armed Forces who managed to intercept hundreds of drones and missiles and said he ordered authorities to enhance precautionary measures and safeguard critical sites to ensure a rapid response to any emergency and maintain public stability.

“The military, security and civilian institutions are operating with high readiness and coordination to ensure the safety of citizens under all circumstances,” he said.

Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad said attacks targeting Kuwait’s airspace, territory, civilian facilities and infrastructure constitute a blatant violation of international norms and conventions and a direct assault on the country’s sovereignty, security and stability.

He said Kuwait’s sovereignty is a red line protected by the will of its people and the courage of its men and women, adding that the country will not allow any state to threaten its security or stability.

He also called on the international community to take responsibility in condemning the aggression and ensuring respect for international law.

The Emir said the attacks targeting neighboring states are attacks on the security of the entire region and a direct threat to its stability and peace.

He stressed that the security of the Gulf Cooperation Council states is indivisible and that any violation of one member state’s sovereignty is a threat to the collective security of all.

Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad reaffirmed Kuwait’s solidarity with its neighbors and support for all measures taken to protect the sovereignty, security and stability of the region.

The Crown Prince also expressed gratitude to the leaders of sisterly and friendly countries for their messages condemning the Iranian aggression against Kuwait.

“These communications showed strong solidarity and support for Kuwait in defending its sovereignty and security and reflected the close ties of friendship and unity in facing threats to regional stability and the safety of its people,” Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad said.