Riyadh: Our Relationship with Washington Contributed to Regional Security

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (EPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (EPA)
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Riyadh: Our Relationship with Washington Contributed to Regional Security

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (EPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (EPA)

Riyadh confirmed its relationship with Washington contributed to the security and stability of the region and that historical ties between Saudi Arabia and the US have served the interests of both countries.

Saudi Arabia’s ties with the US are strategic and have supported the security and stability of the Middle East, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan told Al Arabiya channel on Wednesday.

Prince Faisal added that the war in Ukraine has major economic repercussions that are felt around the world.

Although he emphasized the need to find ways to stop the war, the Saudi foreign minister defended OPEC+ cutting its oil output by saying it was a purely economic decision that was taken unanimously by member states.

"OPEC+ countries acted responsibly and took the appropriate decision,” affirmed Prince Faisal, adding that the oil producing group seeks to stabilize the market and achieve the interests of both producers and consumers.

Regarding Yemen, Prince Faisal affirmed that Saudi Arabia, the Arab Coalition, and the Yemeni internationally recognized government are keen on extending the truce.

As for Iran, Prince Faisal said that any deal with Tehran “must take regional security into account.” Any new nuclear agreement with Iran must overcome the shortcomings of the previous deal, added the minister.

Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir also stressed that bilateral relations with the US were “strong and essential.”

He hoped that the reason for calls in Washington to define the relationship with Saudi Arabia stem from “domestic politics before the midterm elections.”

“The sale of defensive weapons to Saudi Arabia serves the interests of the US, serves the interests of Saudi Arabia and serves the interests of security and stability in the Middle East,” added al-Jubeir.

“The presence of American forces in the Middle East has been here for many, many decades. They are here to protect the stability and security of the Middle East and the stability and security of the US,” he noted.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the US have had a very strong relationship for eight decades,” stressed the minister.

“They have been very close partners in fighting extremism and terrorism, and maintaining stability and security in defending the region, and have been very close allies in terms of economics, trade and investment,” he explained.



Iran Launches Missile Attack on US Base in Qatar

Traces are seen in the sky after Iran's armed forces say they targeted The Al-Udeid base in a missile attack, as seen from Doha, Qatar, June 23, 2025. REUTERS/Stringer
Traces are seen in the sky after Iran's armed forces say they targeted The Al-Udeid base in a missile attack, as seen from Doha, Qatar, June 23, 2025. REUTERS/Stringer
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Iran Launches Missile Attack on US Base in Qatar

Traces are seen in the sky after Iran's armed forces say they targeted The Al-Udeid base in a missile attack, as seen from Doha, Qatar, June 23, 2025. REUTERS/Stringer
Traces are seen in the sky after Iran's armed forces say they targeted The Al-Udeid base in a missile attack, as seen from Doha, Qatar, June 23, 2025. REUTERS/Stringer

Iran launched a missile attack Monday on a US military base in Qatar, retaliating for the American bombing of its nuclear sites.

Witnesses reported seeing missiles in the skies, followed by explosions.

Iran announced on state television that it attacked American forces stationed at Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base. A caption on screen called it “a mighty and successful response" to "America’s aggression.”

The attack came shortly after Qatar closed its airspace as a precaution amid threats from Iran.

A statement by the Qatari Foreign Ministry said on X that the move comes to ensure safety of residents and visitors.

"The competent authorities announce the temporary suspension of air traffic in the country's airspace, as part of a set of precautionary measures taken based on developments in the region," the Ministry said.

Qatar condemned the attack on Al Udeid Air Base, but said it successfully intercepted the missiles and no casualties were reported. It said its airspace is now safe.

Iran said the attack in Qatar matched the number of bombs dropped by the United States on its nuclear sites.

It also said it targeted the base because it was outside of populated areas.