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Saudi Arabia, France Stress Importance of Strengthening Defense Cooperation

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz at the Elysée. SPA
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz at the Elysée. SPA
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Saudi Arabia, France Stress Importance of Strengthening Defense Cooperation

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz at the Elysée. SPA
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz at the Elysée. SPA

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz and French President Emmanuel Macron stressed during talks they held at the Elysée Palace in Paris the need for continuous evaluation of the security and stability of the Middle East.

A final statement was issued on Friday concerning the visit of the Crown Prince to the French capital. It said the two sides discussed the historical and strategic relations between the two countries, and the means to develop them in all fields. They also exchanged views on the current regional and international developments.

The discussions also focused on ways to deepen the investment partnership between the two countries by enhancing cooperation in renewable energy - including solar and wind energy – and in clean hydrogen, and adhering to the principles of the Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.

The talks touched on aspects of strategic partnerships and ways to develop them, the importance of stabilizing global energy markets, and sustaining food supplies of wheat and grains to all countries, and maintaining an abundance of supply and price stability.

The Crown Prince and Macron stressed the need for continuous evaluation of the common threats to the two sides’ interests and the security and stability of the Middle East and the importance of strengthening defense cooperation and partnership.
The talks also touched on discussing ways to develop and enhance cooperation and coordination on issues of common concern, including combating terrorism and its financing, combating all forms of crimes, and exchanging expertise and training.

They tackled the importance of resolving international disputes through diplomatic and peaceful means, adherence to the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of good neighborliness, and respect for the unity and sovereignty of countries.
The French side commended the Kingdom's efforts and support for the truce in Yemen. The Kingdom's appreciation for France's support for UN efforts to reach a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis per the three references was also underscored.

They discussed the two countries' support for Lebanon's sovereignty, security, and stability, and the importance of implementing comprehensive political and economic reforms. They also expressed their satisfaction with the Saudi-French Fund's efforts to support humanitarian and relief work in Lebanon per the highest standards of transparency.

The Crown Prince and Macron had common views on the need to intensify efforts to reach a comprehensive and just settlement to the Palestinian issue based on the two-state solution, relevant international legitimacy resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative, in a manner that ensures the Palestinian people’s right to establish their independent state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The talks stressed the importance of reaching a political solution to the Syrian crisis that preserves the territorial integrity of Syria and the safety of its people.

The two sides also touched on international efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, to ensure that Iran's nuclear program is peaceful, and urge Tehran to fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency, maintain the principles of good neighborliness and non-interference in the internal affairs of the regional countries.

The Crown Prince expressed to Macron the Kingdom's appreciation for France's support for the candidacy of Riyadh to host the World Expo 2030.

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Gulf

UAE Condemns Attack on its Consulate in Iraqi Kurdistan

A general view shows the Dukan dam in Sulaimaniyah in Iraq's northern Kurdistan region on March 11, 2026. (Photo by Ozan KOSE / AFP)
A general view shows the Dukan dam in Sulaimaniyah in Iraq's northern Kurdistan region on March 11, 2026. (Photo by Ozan KOSE / AFP)
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UAE Condemns Attack on its Consulate in Iraqi Kurdistan

A general view shows the Dukan dam in Sulaimaniyah in Iraq's northern Kurdistan region on March 11, 2026. (Photo by Ozan KOSE / AFP)
A general view shows the Dukan dam in Sulaimaniyah in Iraq's northern Kurdistan region on March 11, 2026. (Photo by Ozan KOSE / AFP)

The UAE slammed the targeting of its consulate in Iraqi Kurdistan for the second time in a week, the foreign affairs ministry said in a statement Saturday.

"The United Arab Emirates expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the treacherous terrorist attack by a drone, which targeted the UAE Consulate General in Iraqi Kurdistan, for the second time in a week, and resulted in the injury of two security personnel and caused damage to the consulate building," it said.

Iraq's Kurdistan regional government later denounced the attack, labelling it "a terrorist act that threatens the sovereignty of Kurdish and Iraqi territory.”

It urged Baghdad to fulfil its responsibility and put an end to the activities of "armed groups and militias targeting residents" in the Kurdistan region and across Iraq.

Gulf

Kuwait: Drones Cause Damage, Injuries Near US Base

Vehicles drive along a highway during a heavy rain in Kuwait City on March 12, 2026. (Photo by YASSER AL-ZAYYAT / AFP)
Vehicles drive along a highway during a heavy rain in Kuwait City on March 12, 2026. (Photo by YASSER AL-ZAYYAT / AFP)
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Kuwait: Drones Cause Damage, Injuries Near US Base

Vehicles drive along a highway during a heavy rain in Kuwait City on March 12, 2026. (Photo by YASSER AL-ZAYYAT / AFP)
Vehicles drive along a highway during a heavy rain in Kuwait City on March 12, 2026. (Photo by YASSER AL-ZAYYAT / AFP)

Two drones targeted an airbase in Kuwait housing US military staff, injuring Kuwaiti personnel and causing damage, the defense ministry said on Saturday.

"Three members of the armed forces sustained minor injuries" after the attack on Ahmed Al-Jaber Air Base, spokesperson Colonel Saud Al-Atwan said in a statement.

The base is near Camp Arifjan, a major US facility.

Gulf

Saudi Arabia Downs 60 Drones, Two Killed in Oman

The Callisto tanker sits anchored in Port Sultan Qaboos as the traffic is down in the Strait of Hormuz, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Muscat, Oman, March 12, 2026. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
The Callisto tanker sits anchored in Port Sultan Qaboos as the traffic is down in the Strait of Hormuz, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Muscat, Oman, March 12, 2026. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
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Saudi Arabia Downs 60 Drones, Two Killed in Oman

The Callisto tanker sits anchored in Port Sultan Qaboos as the traffic is down in the Strait of Hormuz, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Muscat, Oman, March 12, 2026. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
The Callisto tanker sits anchored in Port Sultan Qaboos as the traffic is down in the Strait of Hormuz, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Muscat, Oman, March 12, 2026. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

Gulf air defenses continued on Friday to intercept Iranian missiles and drones in attacks that have persisted for two weeks, striking residential areas, civilian facilities and critical infrastructure and causing casualties and material damage.

Gulf states said they remain fully prepared to confront any threats and will respond firmly to attempts to undermine their security, stressing their determination to safeguard sovereignty, stability and national interests.

Jasem Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), warned the Iranian attacks could have negative repercussions for the global economy and the stability of international markets. He said the danger extends beyond Gulf security and threatens international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement issued Friday after separate ministerial meetings held by video conference with Jordan, Egypt, Morocco and Britain, Albudaiwi said targeting commercial vessels and key maritime routes poses a direct threat to freedom of navigation and exposes global trade and energy security to serious risks.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Defense Ministry Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki said air defenses intercepted and destroyed 62 drones from early Friday until 8:00 p.m. local time.

Twenty-eight drones were shot down after entering Saudi airspace, 20 in the Eastern Province, seven across the Eastern and Central regions, three in Al-Kharj governorate, three in Al-Kharj and the Empty Quarter, and one while attempting to approach the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh.

Oman

An Omani security source said two drones crashed in the Wilayat of Sohar. One fell in the Al-Awahi industrial area, killing two expatriates and injuring others, while the second landed in an open area without causing casualties.

The source, cited by the Oman News Agency, praised the cooperation of citizens and residents in avoiding the spread of images and rumors and relying on official sources, adding that all efforts are being mobilized to protect the Sultanate and those living in it.

United Arab Emirates

The UAE said its air defenses intercepted seven ballistic missiles and 27 drones launched from Iran on Friday, bringing the total since the start of the attacks to 285 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,567 drones.

The Defense Ministry said the attacks have left six people dead — including Emirati, Pakistani, Nepali and Bangladeshi nationals — and 141 injured with minor to moderate wounds among people of multiple nationalities.

The ministry later said air defenses were continuing to intercept incoming missiles and drones from Iran, adding that sounds heard in parts of the country were caused by ballistic missile defense systems and fighter jets engaging drones and cruise missiles.

It said it remains fully prepared to confront any threats and will act firmly against any attempt to undermine the country’s security.

Dubai’s government media office said authorities dealt early Friday with a minor incident caused by debris from an intercepted aerial object that struck the facade of a building in central Dubai, with no injuries reported.

The UAE Civil Aviation Authority said flight operations were gradually resuming, urging travelers to check with airlines before heading to the airport.

It said 1.4 million passengers passed through the country’s airports between March 1 and March 12, with 7,839 flight movements recorded. National carriers have restored 44.6% of their previous operating levels.

Bahrain

Bahrain’s Defense Force said air defense systems continued to confront successive waves of Iranian attacks, adding that 115 missiles and 191 drones targeting the country have been intercepted and destroyed since the start of the assault.

The command described the use of ballistic missiles and drones against civilian sites and private property as a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and the United Nations Charter, warning the attacks pose a direct threat to regional peace and security.

Authorities urged the public to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary, avoid damaged areas and suspicious objects, refrain from photographing military operations or debris sites and rely only on official information.

Kuwait

Kuwait’s Defense Ministry Spokesperson, Colonel Saud Al-Atwan, said one hostile ballistic missile was detected over the past 24 hours outside the threat zone, posing no danger and causing no damage.

He said monitoring of potential aerial threats continues as part of defensive measures to protect the country’s airspace.

Interior Ministry Spokesperson Brigadier Nasser Bousleib said authorities detected individuals using drones for aerial filming in violation of previously announced instructions, warning that such actions hinder security and military efforts and that violators will face legal action.

Bomb disposal teams handled 16 reports in the past 24 hours linked to debris from intercepted projectiles, bringing the total number of reports since the start of the Iranian attacks to 372.

Health Ministry Spokesperson Dr. Abdullah Al-Sanad said the country’s health situation remains stable, with hospitals and health centers operating at full capacity and medical teams ready to respond to any emergency.

He said two people were injured on Thursday when a residential building was struck and were transferred to Al-Adan Hospital. Authorities also launched a psychological support hotline (151) for citizens and residents.

The Commerce Ministry said the first Kuwait Airways flights carrying fresh food supplies had arrived in the country, in coordination with the private sector, to accelerate deliveries and support market supplies. The shipments included fresh meat, fruits, vegetables and other food items.

Qatar

Qatar’s Interior Ministry said the situation in the country remains stable and that services continue to operate normally across sectors, while authorities monitor developments.

The ministry said the national warning system is activated only when urgent preventive measures are required to protect public safety. It urged the public to follow official alerts, remain indoors away from windows and exposed areas, and avoid going out until the threat has passed.

It also warned against filming or publishing footage from incident sites or response operations and against sharing unverified material on social media.

Environmental monitoring indicators show air quality in the country at 100%, the ministry said, adding that no pollution has been detected in the air or marine environment as part of ongoing environmental monitoring.

Separately, Qatar Tourism said the temporary extension of hotel stays for visitors affected by travel disruptions will remain in effect until March 14.

The measure gives affected guests additional time to arrange their travel.

Visitors whose flights have been canceled or disrupted since Feb. 28 have been offered free hotel stays with three daily meals, coordinated with the hospitality sector.