US Condemns Houthi Attack in Saudi Arabia

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan gives an update about the ongoing talks with Russia at a press briefing at the White House in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022. (AP)
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan gives an update about the ongoing talks with Russia at a press briefing at the White House in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022. (AP)
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US Condemns Houthi Attack in Saudi Arabia

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan gives an update about the ongoing talks with Russia at a press briefing at the White House in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022. (AP)
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan gives an update about the ongoing talks with Russia at a press briefing at the White House in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022. (AP)

US National security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Sunday that the United States condemns the attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi militias in Yemen on civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.

"The Houthis launch these terrorist attacks with enabling by Iran, which supplies them with missile and UAV components, training, and expertise. This is done in violation of UN Security Council resolutions prohibiting the import of weapons into Yemen," he said in a statement.

"Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni Government have endorsed multiple UN calls for ceasefires and de-escalation over the last year. The Houthis have rejected these calls, responding instead with new offensives in Yemen and terrorist acts, such as those launched against Saudi Arabia last night," he continued.

"It is time to bring this war to a close, but that can only happen if the Houthis agree to cooperate with the United Nations and its envoy working on a step-by-step a process to de-escalate the conflict," he remarked.

"The United States stands fully behind those efforts, and we will continue to fully support our partners in the defense of their territory from Houthi attacks. We call on the international community to do the same," he declared.

The Houthis fired missiles and drones at Saudi energy and water desalination facilities, causing a temporary drop in output at a refinery but no casualties, the Saudi Energy Ministry and state media said on Sunday.

Later on Sunday, another Aramco distribution plant was attacked in the Red Sea city of Jeddah, leading to a fire in one of the tanks, according to the Saudi-led Arab coalition. The fire was controlled and did not result in any casualties, it said.



Albudaiwi: GCC Petroleum Meeting Aims to Enhance Energy Security and Supply Chain Integration

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
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Albudaiwi: GCC Petroleum Meeting Aims to Enhance Energy Security and Supply Chain Integration

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi stated that the extraordinary meeting of the GCC Petroleum Cooperation Committee comes to follow up on and discuss the outcomes of implementing the directives of the leaders of the GCC states at their 19th consultative meeting, held in Jeddah on April 28, 2026, and to develop recommendations aimed at strengthening energy supply chains among the GCC states.

This came during the extraordinary meeting of the GCC Petroleum Cooperation Committee, held on Thursday via videoconference, chaired by Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Bin Dainah, with the participation of the energy ministers in the GCC states, SPA reported.

The secretary-general affirmed that this meeting reflects the keenness of the leaders of the GCC states to strengthen joint GCC action in the energy sector, as one of the main pillars of sustainable economic development, in a manner that contributes to enhancing energy security, ensuring the sustainability of its supplies, and raising the efficiency of integration among the GCC states in this vital sector.

Albudaiwi also expressed gratitude and appreciation to the ministers for their continued efforts and support for the work of the committee, as well as for their joint work and coordination to support the journey of GCC integration, strengthen energy security, and ensure the sustainability of supply chains, in a manner that serves the interests of the GCC states and meets their future aspirations.


OIC Condemns Israeli Knesset's Approval of Bill Targeting Call to Prayer

OIC Condemns Israeli Knesset's Approval of Bill Targeting Call to Prayer
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OIC Condemns Israeli Knesset's Approval of Bill Targeting Call to Prayer

OIC Condemns Israeli Knesset's Approval of Bill Targeting Call to Prayer

The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned the Israeli Knesset's preliminary approval of a bill aimed at banning the Muslim call to prayer (Adhan), describing the measure as invalid and a discriminatory and racist legislative act.

The General Secretariat said the proposed legislation represents a dangerous escalation in what it described as a series of Israeli decisions, laws, and measures aimed at restricting the Palestinian presence and targeting Arab and Islamic identity, SPA reported.

It called on the international community, particularly the United Nations and its relevant bodies, to take urgent action to halt Israeli measures and policies that violate international law.

It also urged the repeal of the proposed legislation and other measures it characterized as discriminatory and illegal, and called for safeguards to ensure freedom of worship and the protection of Islamic holy sites.


Saudi, Japanese FMs Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
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Saudi, Japanese FMs Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call from his Japanese counterpart, Toshimitsu Motegi, the Saudi Press Agency reported Thursday.

During the call, the two sides reviewed bilateral relations and discussed the latest regional developments, as well as the ongoing efforts to address them, SPA said.