Arab, Inter'l Condemnation of Bomb Attack on Oil Tanker in Jeddah Port

Arab, Inter'l Condemnation of Bomb Attack on Oil Tanker in Jeddah Port
TT

Arab, Inter'l Condemnation of Bomb Attack on Oil Tanker in Jeddah Port

Arab, Inter'l Condemnation of Bomb Attack on Oil Tanker in Jeddah Port

International and global organizations and world countries have condemned the terrorist attack against a fuel transport ship in Jeddah Port, Saudi Arabia.

A fuel transport ship was attacked by an explosive-laden boat in the fuel terminal in Jeddah, early on Monday, the Kingdom’s Ministry of Energy announced.

The United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Lebanon have strongly condemned the terrorist attack, affirming their solidarity with the kingdom against these destabilizing terrorist attacks and every threat to its security and the security of global navigation and trade.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the attack is “new evidence of terrorist groups’ endeavors to undermine regional security and stability.”

Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed in a statement that the continuity of such terrorist acts that target the security of the kingdom, regional stability, freedom of maritime navigation, and global energy supplies, violates the rules of international laws and conventions.

This requires swift and effective action by the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, to stop these attacks, it added.

The Gulf state said it fully stands by Saudi Arabia and supports all measures it takes in this regard.

Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that this terrorist act of aggression constitutes a serious threat to vital installations in the Kingdom and the region and affects the security and safety of maritime traffic.

It stressed the need for the international community to take measures against the terrorist organizations that constitute a major source of tension in the region and confront all those who support or finance them.

Oman, for its part, affirmed its solidarity with the kingdom in facing actions that target its security, stability, freedom, and safety of navigation.

Qatar also condemned the attack and warned of the impact it could have on international energy markets.

Doha considered the incident “an act of sabotage that violates all international norms and laws,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

In a statement on Tuesday, the ministry reiterated Qatar’s firm stance of rejecting violence, and criminal acts, regardless of the motives and reasons.

The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates also expressed Beirut’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia after condemning the attack.

Meanwhile, Yemen’s Information Minister Muammar al-Eryani warned of the dangers of the international community’s continued disregard for the “terrorist activities” of the Iranian regime and its support to Houthi militias' activities in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb.

These terrorist activities are part of Iran’s scheme and its sectarian militias to harm the security and stability, spread chaos and terrorism in the region, and threaten international interests,” Eryani said in remarks to Saba news agency.

The Muslim World League also condemned the terrorist attack and issued a statement in which it stressed that such attacks target the international security and the stability of its navigation and energy supplies.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) denounced the attack, describing it as a disruptive and heinous act that targets the kingdom’s security, as well as the security and stability of energy supplies and the global economy.



Islamic Ministers’ Executive Council Condemns Iran’s Attacks on the Region

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh addresses the conference. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh addresses the conference. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

Islamic Ministers’ Executive Council Condemns Iran’s Attacks on the Region

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh addresses the conference. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh addresses the conference. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Executive Council of the Conference of Ministers of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs condemned the deliberate Iranian attacks on Saudi Arabia, the Gulf and Jordan, accusing Tehran of seeking to destabilize the region, terrorize civilians, kill innocents and target homes, infrastructure, desalination plants, airports and diplomatic missions.

In a statement after a virtual meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the council said the attacks violated Islamic values and principles, good neighborliness, international treaties and international law, and posed a threat to international peace and security.

The council said the attacks could not be justified under any pretext and called on Iran to halt them immediately and stop supporting, funding or arming affiliated militias.

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance and Chairman of the council Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh urged condemnation of the heinous attacks by Iran and its militias on Saudi Arabia, Gulf Cooperation Council states and Jordan.

He said the attacks violated Islamic principles and international laws, undermined regional security and reflected a reckless attempt to push the region toward chaos and strife.

Alsheikh said Saudi Arabia and its leadership were capable of defending the country, protecting Islamic holy sites and confronting any threat to its security and resources.

The Kingdom had strengthened national unity, with citizens rallying behind the leadership and supporting its decisions, he added.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, the minister said the meeting came at a time of “abnormal circumstances” in the Muslim world marked by rising aggression.

He accused Iran of carrying out daily hostile acts, including launching drones and missiles without justification toward Saudi Arabia, Gulf states and Jordan, and said those countries remained steadfast, strong and aware of their responsibilities toward their religion, leadership and nations.


Saudi FM, Russian Counterpart Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah/File Photo
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah/File Photo
TT

Saudi FM, Russian Counterpart Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah/File Photo
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah/File Photo

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held a phone call with Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov, during which they discussed the latest developments in the region, the Saudi Press Agency said on Thursday.

The discussion comes amid heightened tensions in parts of the Middle East, prompting continued diplomatic engagement between major international stakeholders.

 


Gulf States Pursue IRGC, Hezbollah Cells Amid Ongoing Attacks

 Suspects identified as fugitives abroad (Bahrain’s Interior Ministry) 
Suspects identified as fugitives abroad (Bahrain’s Interior Ministry) 
TT

Gulf States Pursue IRGC, Hezbollah Cells Amid Ongoing Attacks

 Suspects identified as fugitives abroad (Bahrain’s Interior Ministry) 
Suspects identified as fugitives abroad (Bahrain’s Interior Ministry) 

Gulf Cooperation Council states are pursuing hunting down terrorist cells linked to Tehran and Lebanon’s Hezbollah, as they continue to counter Iranian attacks, intercepting more than 6,246 missiles and drones, according to the Gulf Research Center.

Monitoring by Asharq Al-Awsat shows that within 30 days, Gulf security services uncovered nine cells tied to Iran or its allies, particularly Hezbollah, across four countries: Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE.

The first cell was announced in Qatar on March 3, and the latest on March 30—meaning all nine were dismantled within 27 days, or roughly one Iran-linked cell every three days.

Seventy-four suspects across nine Iranian cells

About 74 individuals were arrested or identified across the nine cells, according to official data. They include nationals of Kuwait, Lebanon, Iran, and Bahrain.

According to official statements and confessions, the suspects were involved in coordinating with operatives abroad in ways that undermine state sovereignty and endanger public safety. Charges include raising funds for attacks, plotting assassinations targeting leaders and public figures, damaging strategic interests, infiltrating national economies, and executing schemes that threaten financial stability.

They also face accusations of espionage, collecting intelligence on military and critical sites, and possessing drones and coordinates of sensitive locations.

“Exporting the revolution”

The activities and charges mirror previously uncovered Iran-linked networks in the Gulf. Gulf security specialist Dhafer Alajmi said Iran has pursued a policy of exporting its 1979 revolution, turning sleeper cells into an existential threat to Gulf states.

Gulf countries began dismantling such networks early in the current conflict. The first announced operation came less than 72 hours after the outbreak of US, Israeli, and Iranian military confrontations, reflecting heightened security vigilance.

In Bahrain, authorities uncovered three cells involving 14 individuals, including 12 detained and two identified as fugitives abroad.

In Kuwait, three cells linked to the banned Hezbollah group involved 45 individuals, some arrested and others identified overseas.

The UAE announced the dismantling of a network linked to Hezbollah and Iran comprising five members.

Qatar, the first to act on March 3, said two cells working for the Revolutionary Guards involved 10 suspects.

A three-dimensional strategy

Alajmi said Tehran relies on a three-dimensional strategy to encircle the region: local terrorist cells, recruitment within Gulf states to carry out bombings and assassinations, and regional armed proxies such as the Houthis and Hezbollah to exert missile and drone pressure.

He also pointed to “nuclear blackmail,” using nuclear facilities as cover for destabilizing activities and as leverage against the international community.

He said Gulf states have demonstrated exceptional efficiency through preemptive operations that foiled dozens of plots and uncovered weapons and explosives linked to the Revolutionary Guard.

He cited strict anti-money laundering and counterterrorism financing laws that have constrained Iran-linked networks financially, alongside defense alliances, enhanced security coordination such as the Peninsula Shield Force, and advanced air defense systems.

He added that public awareness has denied such cells a supportive environment, turning them from pressure tools into losing assets.

“An old, renewed tactic”

Bahraini writer Faisal Al-Sheikh said targeting Bahrain and the wider Gulf through terrorist cells and proxy networks is a long-standing Iranian tactic central to its proxy warfare strategy, aimed at undermining states from within and spreading instability.

He described it as a system built on recruiting agents and exploiting weak loyalties, calling it “organized betrayal.”

Lebanese political analyst Ibrahim Raihan said Tehran uses such cells to destabilize Gulf states and signal that any attack on it would trigger broader regional chaos.

Developments since the start of hostilities show Gulf forces have not only intercepted attacks in the air but are also engaged in a parallel ground campaign to dismantle Iran-linked networks operating within their borders.