US Envoy to Visit Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar to Discuss JCPOA

The US special envoy to Iran, Robert Malley (AFP)
The US special envoy to Iran, Robert Malley (AFP)
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US Envoy to Visit Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar to Discuss JCPOA

The US special envoy to Iran, Robert Malley (AFP)
The US special envoy to Iran, Robert Malley (AFP)

The US special envoy to Iran, Robert Malley, has said Washington was ready for all options if Iran rejected to return to the 2015 nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Malley noted that the US administration wants to resume talks in Vienna, "but it will not beg Iran to return."

"I will be traveling to Saudi Arabia, the Emirates, and Qatar in just a matter of days to talk about our efforts to come back to the JCPOA and the options we have to control Iran's nuclear program if we are not able to achieve that goal."

Malley confirmed that the US administration is discussing other options with European and regional allies and partners if Iran is not ready to return to the nuclear agreement.

In a webinar hosted by the Carnegie Endowment, moderated by Aaron David Miller, Malley said that if "Iran is not prepared to come back to the deal, then sanctions will remain, other sanctions will have to be enforced."

"We are talking to all our partners about what to do to try to get around back into mutual compliance."

He pointed out that misunderstandings marred the previous six rounds of talks in Vienna due to the Iranians' refusal to hold direct negotiations, hoping for a seventh-round as soon as possible with a realistic vision on how to return to compliance with the deal.

Malley indicated that all countries in the P5+1 group want to resume negotiations immediately and expressed concern about "some nuclear steps that Iran has taken whether its expansion of the nuclear program or lack of cooperation with the IAEA."

The US informed China that it prefers "a return to the JCPOA in which the sanctions will be lifted, and China can import Iran oil freely."

He said the new Iranian administration is different from 2016, stressing that Iran must decide if it wants sanctions relief.

"We will be prepared to adjust to a different reality in which was have to deal with all options to address Iran's nuclear program if it is not prepared to come back to the constraints of 2016."

On the repeated visits of Israeli officials to Washington and the Israeli warnings of a nuclear Iran, the US envoy said that the administration consulted with the former government and is now coordinating with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's government.

"The government of Bennett wants to keep those differences behind closed doors as much as possible while making clear they have genuine problems, real problems, with the JCPOA. They want to work with us to see how to manage those differences in a scenario where we come back to the JCPOA and the scenario where we do not."

The Israelis have concerns about "Iran's nuclear program, but we are realistic. We know there is a good possibility that Iran will choose a different path, and we need to coordinate with Israel and our other partners in the region."



Mina Camp Opens for Hajj Pilgrims ahead of Day of Arafat

A view of the Mina camp. (SPA)
A view of the Mina camp. (SPA)
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Mina Camp Opens for Hajj Pilgrims ahead of Day of Arafat

A view of the Mina camp. (SPA)
A view of the Mina camp. (SPA)

Pilgrims began streaming into the valley of Mina early Tuesday to mark the beginning of the Hajj pilgrimage, spending the Day of Tarwiyah on Wednesday in line with the traditions of the Prophet Mohammed.

White tents have been prepared to receive the faithful, as Saudi authorities roll out a wide range of services to ensure pilgrims can perform their rituals safely and smoothly.

Crowds will swell further on Thursday, when some 2.5 million worshippers are expected to converge on Mount Arafat – the pinnacle of the Hajj – for the most sacred rite of the pilgrimage.

Pilgrims will listen to the Day of Arafat sermon and perform shortened noon and afternoon prayers before departing at sunset.

Strict measures

The Ministry of Interior reminded the public that access to the holy sites is restricted to those with official Hajj permits. Security forces, backed by aerial surveillance, are deployed across main highways, mountain paths, and rural roads to intercept unauthorized entrants and enforce regulations.

Authorities warned that transporting pilgrims without permits is a punishable offense. Entry points into Makkah and the holy sites are tightly monitored to prevent violations, with penalties in place for anyone attempting to bypass security measures.

Safety protocols in place

Regulations also prohibit raising political or sectarian flags and chanting slogans within the holy sites. Pilgrims are instructed not to block walkways or sit along designated pedestrian routes.

Worshippers are urged to carry personal identification, wear face masks within the Grand Mosque and holy sites, and avoid bringing sharp objects, oversized luggage, or extra garments such as blankets and spare Ihram clothes into the Haram.

Saudi Arabia, which has ramped up preparations to host one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, says these measures are vital to ensure the safety, security, and spiritual focus of the Hajj.

Tightened regulations

Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, underscored the importance of compliance with official guidelines for movement within the holy sites, stressing that such measures are crucial to safeguarding pilgrims and ensuring a smooth and spiritually fulfilling experience.

“This year, there will be strict enforcement to verify that every pilgrim holds a valid Hajj permit,” Al-Rabiah said, underscoring efforts to boost the overall quality and safety of the pilgrimage.

He also emphasized the significance of the Nusuk card, calling it a key tool in organizing pilgrim movements. “Anyone without the card will not be allowed entry into the Grand Mosque, the holy sites, or access to transportation,” he stressed.

Health conditions ‘reassuring’

During a press briefing on Wednesday, Ministry of Health spokesperson Eng. Khaled Al-Taleb announced that the overall health situation among pilgrims is stable and reassuring.

More than 50,000 medical and technical staff are deployed this season, supported by three mobile field hospitals and 71 emergency response stations. The ministry has also increased hospital bed capacity by 60% compared to last year, and has delivered over 98,000 healthcare services so far.