Terrorist Attack on Riyadh Refinery Draws Condemnation

The Riyadh refinery. (AFP file photo)
The Riyadh refinery. (AFP file photo)
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Terrorist Attack on Riyadh Refinery Draws Condemnation

The Riyadh refinery. (AFP file photo)
The Riyadh refinery. (AFP file photo)

The terrorist drone attack against the Riyadh refinery in the Saudi capital on Friday has drawn widespread condemnation.

Organization of Islamic Cooperation Secretary-General Dr. Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen slammed the cowardly terrorist attack, saying it targets not only the Kingdom, but the stability and security global energy supplies.

He reiterated his call on the international community to stand by Riyadh in taking deterrent measures against the terrorists that support and carry out these acts.

Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Dr. Nayef al-Hajraf denounced the attack and previous ones that have targeted the Kingdom’s vital installations and civilian locations.

Such attacks not only target the security and economy of the Kingdom, but the security of the Gulf, region and world, he added.

The GCC stands by Saudi Arabia, whose security is indivisible from the Gulf, he stressed. He added that the council supports all the measures Riyadh takes to protect its territories and confront such attacks, and those who commit and support them.

Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry underscored Manama’s unyielding solidarity with Riyadh against all acts that target its security. It stressed the need for the international community to assume its responsibilities in condemning these terrorist and cowardly acts that threaten the security of the region.

The United Arab Emirates’ foreign ministry condemned the terrorist attack that targets Saudi Arabis’s vital installations and civilian locations, as well as global energy supplies. It noted that the persistence of such attacks in recent weeks is a dangerous escalation that undermines the security and stability of the region.

The UAE reiterated its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia, its stand with the Kingdom against all threats to its security and stability, and its support for all measures taken for the security and safety of its citizens and residents.

It emphasized that “the security of the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are indivisible, and that any threat facing the Kingdom is considered by the Emirates a threat to its security and stability.”

Egypt’s Foreign Ministry expressed its deep and complete condemnation of the ongoing cowardly attacks against the Kingdom that are a direct threat to the security and stability of Saudi Arabia and its people. The attacks are also a threat to global energy supplies.

It renewed its solidarity with Kingdom and support for all the measures it takes to protect its security and sovereignty.



Gulf Cooperation Council Condemns Israeli Strike on Iran, Calls for Diplomacy

Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, during the extraordinary meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council held via video conference (GCC). 
Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, during the extraordinary meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council held via video conference (GCC). 
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Gulf Cooperation Council Condemns Israeli Strike on Iran, Calls for Diplomacy

Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, during the extraordinary meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council held via video conference (GCC). 
Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, during the extraordinary meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council held via video conference (GCC). 

In an extraordinary virtual session held Sunday, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) strongly condemned Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iran, denouncing them as a violation of Iranian sovereignty and a blatant breach of international law and the UN Charter. The council urged an immediate return to diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the growing regional tensions.

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi described the current escalation as “unprecedented,” pointing to the Israeli military strikes on Iranian territory and Tehran’s subsequent retaliatory actions.

“These developments have sharply heightened tensions in the region,” he said, warning that they “open the door to uncertain and troubling scenarios.”

Albudaiwi revealed that in light of the unfolding crisis, the GCC Emergency Management Center had been activated to monitor and respond to potential consequences, particularly those involving Iran’s nuclear facilities.

“We acted swiftly and responsibly in recognition of the gravity of the situation,” he said, citing the danger of strikes on nuclear infrastructure and the potential for serious environmental and technical fallout.

Among the chief concerns raised during the meeting were the regional consequences of a broader escalation - especially any damage to nuclear sites - and the far-reaching impacts this could have on the environment, regional infrastructure, and the economic stability of Gulf states. The GCC also highlighted the risks to global supply chains, energy markets, and the security of key maritime corridors.

In a statement, the council emphasized that “until now, all technical indicators remain within safe limits,” adding that there is no immediate cause for alarm. Nonetheless, member states remain on high alert. “Full readiness and constant vigilance are essential in facing this volatile situation,” said Albudaiwi.

He also reaffirmed the council’s foundational values of unity, collective security, and regional stability. “The GCC was established on the principles of solidarity and joint action,” he said. “We continue to believe that stability is essential for the prosperity and well-being of our peoples.”

Albudaiwi reiterated the GCC’s longstanding commitment to conflict prevention, dialogue facilitation, and the avoidance of military escalation.

“We renew our call to all nations and actors to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from further military action,” he said. “The region stands at the edge of a wider conflict that could spiral out of control, with consequences no one can predict or manage.”