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Yemen, UAE Coordinate to Deter Houthi Attacks against Economic Facilities

The UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad Mohammed al-Alimi (Wam)
The UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad Mohammed al-Alimi (Wam)
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Yemen, UAE Coordinate to Deter Houthi Attacks against Economic Facilities

The UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad Mohammed al-Alimi (Wam)
The UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad Mohammed al-Alimi (Wam)

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed with the Chairman of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad Mohammed al-Alimi, coordinating efforts to deter Houthi terrorist attacks on oil export ports and economic facilities, according to Yemeni sources.

Saba news agency stated that Alimi and the accompanying delegation discussed recent developments in the Yemeni situation with the President and prospects of advancing ties.

Saba reported that the meeting touched on discussions about Yemeni developments and bilateral relations, including presidential and governmental reforms, and coordinated measures to deter the terrorist Houthi attacks on national economic facilities.

Alimi congratulated Sheikh Mohammed, the Emirati government, and the people on the 51st UAE National day, expressing his appreciation for UAE's support to Yemen and the legitimate leadership.

The Yemeni leader arrived in Abu Dhabi from the Jordanian capital, Amman. Alimi is leading the Council's movements in the region to support economic and political reforms and confront Houthi escalation.

Meanwhile, Yemeni Finance Minister Salem Saleh bin Brik met in Riyadh with US Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking and Ambassador Stephen Fagin. They discussed recent economic developments and regional and international efforts to achieve peace in Yemen.

Yemeni sources stated that the meeting addressed Houthi attacks on oil facilities in Hadramout and Shabwa and their impact on the overall humanitarian, living, economic, and public aspects.

The meeting also addressed the government procedures and options to deal with these repeated attacks and measures taken regarding the port of Hodeidah, which is controlled by the Houthi militia.

According to the Saba agency, the Yemeni Minister discussed his country's needs and technical and material support to build state institutions and infrastructure destroyed by the Houthi war.

Bin Brik reviewed state and government efforts to carry out the necessary economic and financial reforms during the last period and their positive impact on supporting and stabilizing the national economy.

They also addressed the required measures to develop oil and non-oil resources, control expenditures, and enhance transparency and accountability.

The Minister touched on the government's financial priorities and efforts to confront the challenges, given the adverse effects of the Houthi military escalation on the humanitarian and economic aspects.

Bin Brik reaffirmed the importance of the comprehensive economic, financial, and monetary reform program signed by the Arab Monetary Fund (AMF) and the Yemeni government under Saudi sponsorship.

The $1 billion program aims to establish the foundations of economic, financial, and monetary stability in Yemen, strengthen its public finances and external position, rebuild its institutions and enhance its governance and transparency.

Yemeni media reported that the US envoy reaffirmed his country's support to Yemen, aiming to alleviate human and living suffering, improve the economy, and support international efforts to achieve comprehensive and lasting peace.

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Gulf

Islamic Ministers’ Executive Council Condemns Iran’s Attacks on the Region

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh addresses the conference. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh addresses the conference. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Islamic Ministers’ Executive Council Condemns Iran’s Attacks on the Region

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh addresses the conference. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh addresses the conference. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Executive Council of the Conference of Ministers of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs condemned the deliberate Iranian attacks on Saudi Arabia, the Gulf and Jordan, accusing Tehran of seeking to destabilize the region, terrorize civilians, kill innocents and target homes, infrastructure, desalination plants, airports and diplomatic missions.

In a statement after a virtual meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the council said the attacks violated Islamic values and principles, good neighborliness, international treaties and international law, and posed a threat to international peace and security.

The council said the attacks could not be justified under any pretext and called on Iran to halt them immediately and stop supporting, funding or arming affiliated militias.

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance and Chairman of the council Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh urged condemnation of the heinous attacks by Iran and its militias on Saudi Arabia, Gulf Cooperation Council states and Jordan.

He said the attacks violated Islamic principles and international laws, undermined regional security and reflected a reckless attempt to push the region toward chaos and strife.

Alsheikh said Saudi Arabia and its leadership were capable of defending the country, protecting Islamic holy sites and confronting any threat to its security and resources.

The Kingdom had strengthened national unity, with citizens rallying behind the leadership and supporting its decisions, he added.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, the minister said the meeting came at a time of “abnormal circumstances” in the Muslim world marked by rising aggression.

He accused Iran of carrying out daily hostile acts, including launching drones and missiles without justification toward Saudi Arabia, Gulf states and Jordan, and said those countries remained steadfast, strong and aware of their responsibilities toward their religion, leadership and nations.

Gulf

Saudi FM, Russian Counterpart Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah/File Photo
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah/File Photo
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Saudi FM, Russian Counterpart Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah/File Photo
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah/File Photo

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held a phone call with Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov, during which they discussed the latest developments in the region, the Saudi Press Agency said on Thursday.

The discussion comes amid heightened tensions in parts of the Middle East, prompting continued diplomatic engagement between major international stakeholders.

 

Gulf

Gulf States Pursue IRGC, Hezbollah Cells Amid Ongoing Attacks

Suspects identified as fugitives abroad (Bahrain’s Interior Ministry) 
Suspects identified as fugitives abroad (Bahrain’s Interior Ministry) 
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Gulf States Pursue IRGC, Hezbollah Cells Amid Ongoing Attacks

Suspects identified as fugitives abroad (Bahrain’s Interior Ministry) 
Suspects identified as fugitives abroad (Bahrain’s Interior Ministry) 

Gulf Cooperation Council states are pursuing hunting down terrorist cells linked to Tehran and Lebanon’s Hezbollah, as they continue to counter Iranian attacks, intercepting more than 6,246 missiles and drones, according to the Gulf Research Center.

Monitoring by Asharq Al-Awsat shows that within 30 days, Gulf security services uncovered nine cells tied to Iran or its allies, particularly Hezbollah, across four countries: Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE.

The first cell was announced in Qatar on March 3, and the latest on March 30—meaning all nine were dismantled within 27 days, or roughly one Iran-linked cell every three days.

Seventy-four suspects across nine Iranian cells

About 74 individuals were arrested or identified across the nine cells, according to official data. They include nationals of Kuwait, Lebanon, Iran, and Bahrain.

According to official statements and confessions, the suspects were involved in coordinating with operatives abroad in ways that undermine state sovereignty and endanger public safety. Charges include raising funds for attacks, plotting assassinations targeting leaders and public figures, damaging strategic interests, infiltrating national economies, and executing schemes that threaten financial stability.

They also face accusations of espionage, collecting intelligence on military and critical sites, and possessing drones and coordinates of sensitive locations.

“Exporting the revolution”

The activities and charges mirror previously uncovered Iran-linked networks in the Gulf. Gulf security specialist Dhafer Alajmi said Iran has pursued a policy of exporting its 1979 revolution, turning sleeper cells into an existential threat to Gulf states.

Gulf countries began dismantling such networks early in the current conflict. The first announced operation came less than 72 hours after the outbreak of US, Israeli, and Iranian military confrontations, reflecting heightened security vigilance.

In Bahrain, authorities uncovered three cells involving 14 individuals, including 12 detained and two identified as fugitives abroad.

In Kuwait, three cells linked to the banned Hezbollah group involved 45 individuals, some arrested and others identified overseas.

The UAE announced the dismantling of a network linked to Hezbollah and Iran comprising five members.

Qatar, the first to act on March 3, said two cells working for the Revolutionary Guards involved 10 suspects.

A three-dimensional strategy

Alajmi said Tehran relies on a three-dimensional strategy to encircle the region: local terrorist cells, recruitment within Gulf states to carry out bombings and assassinations, and regional armed proxies such as the Houthis and Hezbollah to exert missile and drone pressure.

He also pointed to “nuclear blackmail,” using nuclear facilities as cover for destabilizing activities and as leverage against the international community.

He said Gulf states have demonstrated exceptional efficiency through preemptive operations that foiled dozens of plots and uncovered weapons and explosives linked to the Revolutionary Guard.

He cited strict anti-money laundering and counterterrorism financing laws that have constrained Iran-linked networks financially, alongside defense alliances, enhanced security coordination such as the Peninsula Shield Force, and advanced air defense systems.

He added that public awareness has denied such cells a supportive environment, turning them from pressure tools into losing assets.

“An old, renewed tactic”

Bahraini writer Faisal Al-Sheikh said targeting Bahrain and the wider Gulf through terrorist cells and proxy networks is a long-standing Iranian tactic central to its proxy warfare strategy, aimed at undermining states from within and spreading instability.

He described it as a system built on recruiting agents and exploiting weak loyalties, calling it “organized betrayal.”

Lebanese political analyst Ibrahim Raihan said Tehran uses such cells to destabilize Gulf states and signal that any attack on it would trigger broader regional chaos.

Developments since the start of hostilities show Gulf forces have not only intercepted attacks in the air but are also engaged in a parallel ground campaign to dismantle Iran-linked networks operating within their borders.