Saudi Arabia, US Kick off Military Drill in Gulf

Saudi Arabia and the US kick off a joint naval drill in the Gulf. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia and the US kick off a joint naval drill in the Gulf. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia, US Kick off Military Drill in Gulf

Saudi Arabia and the US kick off a joint naval drill in the Gulf. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia and the US kick off a joint naval drill in the Gulf. (SPA)

The mixed maritime “Nautical Defender 21” exercise between Royal Saudi Naval Forces and the United States Navy kicked off on Thursday at King Abdulaziz Naval Base (KANB) at the Eastern Fleet in Jubail.

The drill, which is being held in Gulf waters, will also see the participation of a British minesweeper.

Commander of the Eastern Fleet Vice Admiral Majed bin Hazza Al-Qahtani will oversee the exercise.

The two-week drill aims to raise combat readiness and expand maritime security cooperation between the two forces, by strengthening maritime security, ensuring protection of territorial waters and exchanging combat experiences.

The exercise is being held amid heightened tensions in the region and threats to marine waterways, underlining the need for coordination between navies in the area.



Trump to Visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE on May 13-16, White House Says

US President Donald Trump speaks during a swearing-in ceremony for Paul Atkins as Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, on 22 April 2025. (EPA)
US President Donald Trump speaks during a swearing-in ceremony for Paul Atkins as Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, on 22 April 2025. (EPA)
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Trump to Visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE on May 13-16, White House Says

US President Donald Trump speaks during a swearing-in ceremony for Paul Atkins as Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, on 22 April 2025. (EPA)
US President Donald Trump speaks during a swearing-in ceremony for Paul Atkins as Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, on 22 April 2025. (EPA)

President Donald Trump's upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates will take place May 13-16, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Tuesday.

Trump would be traveling to the Middle East at a time of ongoing tensions with Iran, the Houthis in Yemen and the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

The Middle East would have been Trump’s first foreign destination since returning to the White House, but he will be heading to the Vatican to attend Pope Francis’s funeral on Saturday.

Saudi Arabia was the destination of Trump’s first foreign visit during his first term as president, underscoring the importance his administration places on the Kingdom’s regional and international role.

Trump had previously described his ties with the Middle East as “good”. He has constantly hailed the trade relations between the US and Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom’s role in establishing peace and stability in the region.

He has praised it for hosting American diplomatic efforts and facilitating ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine.

Trump has underlined the size of Saudi investments in Amercian companies that amount to nearly $1 billion dollars and has boasted of his strong friendship with Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

Analysts have said Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE will be very significant and will witness the signing of several trade and military agreements.

The visit will also highlight Qatar’s role as a mediator in the Gaza war, while the US views the UAE as a strategic partner.