Saudi Shura Council Speaker: Iran Seeks to Fuel Arab Disputes

The opening ceremony of the Arab Parliament session (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The opening ceremony of the Arab Parliament session (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Shura Council Speaker: Iran Seeks to Fuel Arab Disputes

The opening ceremony of the Arab Parliament session (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The opening ceremony of the Arab Parliament session (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Speaker of Saudi Shura Council Sheikh Abdullah Al Sheikh stressed that the current challenges and critical developments in the Arab world require a real will for an integrated Arab project, pointing out that Iran seeks to fuel Arab disputes through its terrorist arms.

Speaking at the opening session of the Arab Parliament, Al Sheikh indicated that the Iranian regime is leading a proxy war in several Arab countries, noting that Tehran creates tensions through its support of strife and illegitimate armed militias in an effort to break up the Arab peoples.

In his speech, Al Sheikh stressed that Saudi Arabia is playing a pivotal role in pioneering initiatives to safeguard Arab national security and counter blatant interference in the affairs of Arab countries

The Speaker said that the positions of the Kingdom's leadership towards the Arab world have given a positive impetus to the joint Arab action, establishing a promising stage of solidarity and unity of positions, and confronting whatever threatens and targets the security and stability of Arab societies.

The Arab world is going through many challenges and developments, which require a real will for an integrated Arab project that contains implementation mechanisms to mitigate negative impact, according to Al Sheikh.

He added that one of the most prominent of these challenges is the Arab-Israeli conflict, noting that the Kingdom made great efforts to support the Palestinian cause and people, calling on the international community to carry out its responsibilities to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinians.

He reiterated the Kingdom’s support to all efforts aimed at ending the occupation and reaching a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian cause, enabling Palestinians to establish their independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.

Referring to the situation in Yemen, Al Sheikh explained that the humanitarian situation in the country demands a serious response from the international community to put an end to this tragedy.

He stressed the Kingdom’s firm position to accept a political solution based on the three references, the Gulf Initiative and its implementation mechanisms, the outcomes of the Yemeni National Dialogue, Security Council Resolution No. (2216), along with the Saudi initiative to end the crisis in Yemen through a comprehensive ceasefire.

The Speaker reiterated that the Kingdom has the right to defend its lands, citizens and residents from the Houthi systematic attacks, lauding the support of the Arab Parliament in its explicit condemnation of all attacks carried out by Iran-backed militias against the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia believes that it is important to intensify joint international efforts and action to confront the major challenges facing humanity in the field of epidemics, climate change, poverty and organized crime, stressed Al Sheikh.

He also referred to the speech of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz at the virtual Climate Summit last April, during which he reiterated the importance of preserving the planet in light of the emissions resulting from economic growth.

Sheikh further praised the role of the Arab Parliament Speaker, Adel al-Asoumi, in commending Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Saudi Green and Middle East Green initiatives, which have been adopted by the parliament.

At the end of his speech, the Speaker extended his thanks and appreciation to Asoumi for granting him the Arab Excellence Medal.

The Speaker of the Shura Council received the Arab Excellence Medal in a ceremony held during the session at the headquarters of the Arab League in Cairo.



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) 
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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.


Russia Stresses its Support to Saudi Arabia’s Sovereignty, Security

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Russia Stresses its Support to Saudi Arabia’s Sovereignty, Security

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, held telephone talks on Thursday with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the rapid developments in the region amid the military escalation.

They tackled the negative repercussions of the escalation and its impact on marine navigation and the global economy.

Putin stressed to Crown Prince Mohammed Russia’s support to Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and security.

The leaders also exchanged views on several regional and international issues of common interest.


Saudi Defenses Intercept, Destroy 5 Drones and a Ballistic Missile

The armed forces' readiness succeeded in protecting the airspace and dealing with various threats without recording any damage (Ministry of Defense)
The armed forces' readiness succeeded in protecting the airspace and dealing with various threats without recording any damage (Ministry of Defense)
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Saudi Defenses Intercept, Destroy 5 Drones and a Ballistic Missile

The armed forces' readiness succeeded in protecting the airspace and dealing with various threats without recording any damage (Ministry of Defense)
The armed forces' readiness succeeded in protecting the airspace and dealing with various threats without recording any damage (Ministry of Defense)

Saudi air defenses intercepted five drones and a ballistic missile launched by Iran toward the Kingdom in recent hours.

The official spokesperson for the Saudi Ministry of Defense, Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki, announced the interception and destruction of five drones in recent hours, as well as a ballistic missile targeting the Eastern Province.

Al-Maliki confirmed the success of the operations and the readiness of the armed forces to protect the airspace and respond to various threats, with no damage reported.