Saudi Crown Prince, US Officials Discuss Energy Security

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. SPA
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Saudi Crown Prince, US Officials Discuss Energy Security

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. SPA

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud met on Friday in the Royal Court at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah the Coordinator for Middle East and North Africa in the US National Security Council, Brett McGurk, senior advisor for energy security Amos Hochstein, and the US special envoy to Yemen Tim Lenderking.

During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and the active follow up from the Jeddah Summit, particularly in the fields of energy security and investment in the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, as well as the developments in the region, including Yemen.

The US officials expressed gratitude for the Crown Prince’s mediation efforts that have succeeded in releasing two US nationals among 10 prisoners of war of different nationalities, and their appreciation for the humanitarian efforts that he undertakes in this regard.

The Crown Prince succeeded on Wednesday in arranging the freeing of the 10 prisoners as part of a prisoner release between Moscow and Kyiv.



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.”