US Analysts: Chinese Mediation Represents a Challenge for the US in the Middle East

Saudi and Iranian delegations signing the agreement under China's mediation (SPA)
Saudi and Iranian delegations signing the agreement under China's mediation (SPA)
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US Analysts: Chinese Mediation Represents a Challenge for the US in the Middle East

Saudi and Iranian delegations signing the agreement under China's mediation (SPA)
Saudi and Iranian delegations signing the agreement under China's mediation (SPA)

US officials and experts agree that the rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, with Chinese mediation and sponsorship, constituted a significant diplomatic breakthrough.

Some observers believe the agreement may rearrange alliances and rivalries in the region, leaving the United States on the sidelines, at least temporarily.

The US, which has been the central actor in the Middle East, now finds itself on the sidelines during a moment of significant change, whereas China, which played only a secondary role in the region, has suddenly transformed itself into the new power player.

Publicly, the White House welcomed the restoration of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran and did not express an explicit "concern" about Beijing's role.

However, President Joe Biden's aides suggested too much was being made of the breakthrough, scoffing at suggestions that it indicated any erosion in US influence in the region, according to the New York Times.

The Washington Post quoted a senior administration official briefed on the talks between Tehran and Riyadh, saying that the United States was updated on the negotiations from the beginning.

He indicated that the Saudis had made it clear to US officials that they were interested in restoring diplomatic relations with Iran.

The Saudis also made it clear that they were unwilling to make such a deal without solid guarantees from the Iranians that attacks against them would stop and that they would reduce military support for the Houthis.

The official emphasized that Oman also played an important role, prompting Biden to contact the Sultan this week.

Analysts said it remained unclear how far the rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran would go. After decades of sometimes violent competition for leadership in the Middle East and the broader Islamic world, reopening embassies closed in 2016 represents only a first step.

It is conceivable that this new agreement to exchange ambassadors may not even be carried out in the end, given that it was put on a cautious two-month timetable to work out details.

The key to the agreement was a commitment by Iran to stop further attacks on Saudi Arabia and curtail support for militant groups that have targeted the kingdom.

Despite this, US officials expressed doubts that Iran would live up to its new commitments. They believe that Tehran's turn to Beijing to mediate with the Saudis.

However, it increases China's presence in the region, and also reflects its quest to escape from the isolation imposed by Washington.

Biden administration officials say Iran is under pressure and suffering from deep economic distress because of American sanctions. But that does not mean China, one of the signatories to the original nuclear deal, wants Iran to have a nuclear weapon either.

If Beijing has new sway in Tehran, American officials hope it could use it to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions.

However, it is disconcerting for many veteran US policymakers to see China playing such an outsize role in a region, reflecting two types of approaches to the Saudi Iranian agreement.

Some condemned Biden's policies, blaming them for the decline in Washington's relations with its regional allies and its neglect of the opportunity to achieve a breakthrough in Arab relations with Israel. At the same time, others called for what can be practically achieved, despite suspicions concerning Iran's role.

Head of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies Mark Dubowitz described the renewed Iranian-Saudi ties due to Chinese mediation as a "lose, lose, and lose for American interests."

Whereas the deputy director for research at the Project on Middle East Democracy, a Washington-based nonprofit group, Amy Hawthorne, said there was no way around it, saying: "this is a big deal."

"The United States could not have brokered such a deal with Iran since we have no relations. But in a larger sense, China's prestigious accomplishment vaults it into a new league diplomatically. It outshines anything the US has been able to achieve in the region since Biden came to office."

Matt Duss, a visiting scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said that anything that lowers the temperature between Iran and Saudi Arabia and reduces the possibility of conflict is a good thing.

"It is also a potentially encouraging sign that countries in the region can pursue such initiatives without requiring lots of goodies and guarantees from the US," Duss added.

Though reducing China's influence in the Middle East and other parts of the world remains a priority for the Biden administration, it is of "two minds" about the agreement, according to John Alterman, a Middle East scholar at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Alterman said: "It wants the Saudis to take increasing responsibility for their security, but it does not want Saudi Arabia freelancing and undermining US security strategies."



43rd, 44th Saudi Relief Planes with Aid for Palestinians in Gaza Arrive in Egypt

The aircraft are carrying shelter items that will be transported to the Palestinian people in Gaza. (SPA)
The aircraft are carrying shelter items that will be transported to the Palestinian people in Gaza. (SPA)
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43rd, 44th Saudi Relief Planes with Aid for Palestinians in Gaza Arrive in Egypt

The aircraft are carrying shelter items that will be transported to the Palestinian people in Gaza. (SPA)
The aircraft are carrying shelter items that will be transported to the Palestinian people in Gaza. (SPA)

The 43rd and 44th Saudi relief planes, operated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) in coordination with the Ministry of Defense, arrived in Egypt on Wednesday.

The aircraft are carrying shelter items that will be transported to the Palestinian people in Gaza.

The assistance is in keeping with Saudi Arabia's historic role in supporting the brotherly Palestinian people in times of crisis.


Saudi, British FMs Discuss Gaza Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (SPA)
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Saudi, British FMs Discuss Gaza Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received on Wednesday a telephone call from UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron for talks on bilateral relations.

They also discussed regional and international issues of common concern, including developments in the Gaza Strip.


MWL Condemns Israel for Confiscating 8,000 Dunums in Jordan Valley

MWL Condemns Israel for Confiscating 8,000 Dunums in Jordan Valley
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MWL Condemns Israel for Confiscating 8,000 Dunums in Jordan Valley

MWL Condemns Israel for Confiscating 8,000 Dunums in Jordan Valley

The Muslim World League (MWL) strongly condemned on Wednesday Israel’s announcement that it was confiscating 8,000 dunams of land in the Jordan Valley in the occupied Palestinian territories.

It deemed the decision a flagrant violation of all international laws and relevant resolutions.

MWL Secretary General and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars Sheikh Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa denounced the ongoing Israeli violations of the rights of the Palestinian people.

He considered it a blatant challenge to the international community and an impediment to the prospects of achieving just and comprehensive peace in the region.


Saudi Arabia ‘Strongly Condemns’ Israel’s Seizing of Palestinian Land

The flag of Saudi Arabia
The flag of Saudi Arabia
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Saudi Arabia ‘Strongly Condemns’ Israel’s Seizing of Palestinian Land

The flag of Saudi Arabia
The flag of Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has “strongly condemned” Israel’s seizing of 8,000 dunams of land in the Jordan Valley area of the occupied Palestinian territories.

It said in a statement that “such actions violate international laws and relevant resolutions, and undermine the chances of a just and sustainable peace based on the two-state solution.”

The Kingdom “called on the international community to halt the systematic violations by Israeli settlers and to ensure the return of confiscated Palestinian lands.”


Saudi, French FMs Discuss Gaza 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, French FMs Discuss Gaza 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 has received a telephone call from Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Stephane Sejourne.
The two ministers discussed the latest developments in Gaza and the efforts exerted in this regard.


Saudi Crown Prince Receives Credentials of Ambassadors of Several Countries

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. SPA
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Saudi Crown Prince Receives Credentials of Ambassadors of Several Countries

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. SPA

Deputizing for Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah on Tuesday the credentials of a number of ambassadors accredited to the Kingdom.

The Crown Prince welcomed the ambassadors in the Kingdom and wished them all success in their missions to enhance and develop relations between Saudi Arabia and their countries.
For their part, the ambassadors conveyed the greetings of their leaders to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and to the Crown Prince, expressing their thanks for the warm welcome and generous hospitality.

The handing-over ceremony was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Chief of the Royal Court Fahd bin Mohammed Al-Issa.


Saudi Govt Reiterates Support for Security Council Resolution on Gaza Ceasefire 

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)
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Saudi Govt Reiterates Support for Security Council Resolution on Gaza Ceasefire 

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)

The Saudi government reiterated on Tuesday its welcome of the United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during the holy fasting month of Ramadan.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chaired the cabinet meeting that was held in Jeddah.

The ministers underscored Saudi Arabia’s efforts, in cooperation with its partners in the region and world, to find a solution to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.

The cabinet also reviewed the latest regional and international developments.

It discussed domestic affairs, indicators of performance in several key sectors, and their contributions to achieving national goals aimed at boosting progress, prosperity, and development and growth in all areas.

It emphasized the state's ongoing interest in and continuous support for national efforts and initiatives aimed at providing housing for the most needy families in the Kingdom, including working towards achieving the targets of the "Jood Regions" campaign under the "Jood Eskan" platform.

It highlighted the annual day of the Saudi Green Initiative, which falls on March 27, stressing the Kingdom's commitment to environmental issues locally and globally and supporting its approach to leading the green era and climate action.


HMS Hail Arrives at King Faisal Naval Base in Jeddah

The Royal Saudi Navy (RSN) received on Tuesday the HMS Hail at King Faisal Naval Base in Jeddah. (SPA)
The Royal Saudi Navy (RSN) received on Tuesday the HMS Hail at King Faisal Naval Base in Jeddah. (SPA)
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HMS Hail Arrives at King Faisal Naval Base in Jeddah

The Royal Saudi Navy (RSN) received on Tuesday the HMS Hail at King Faisal Naval Base in Jeddah. (SPA)
The Royal Saudi Navy (RSN) received on Tuesday the HMS Hail at King Faisal Naval Base in Jeddah. (SPA)

The Royal Saudi Navy (RSN) received on Tuesday the HMS Hail at King Faisal Naval Base in Jeddah. The ship arrived from the manufacturing site in Spain.

A formal ceremony was held to mark the arrival of HMS Hail. The event was attended by Commander of the Naval Forces Lieutenant General Fahad bin Abdullah Al-Ghofaily who boarded the vessel upon arrival, and toured its various sections.

He received a detailed briefing on the ship's advanced equipment and technologies, after which he signed the ship's logbook.

Al-Ghofaily also met with the ship's captain and crew, praising their efforts during the training phase in Spain and expressing confidence in their future contributions.

He said they play an important role in safeguarding the Kingdom's vital strategic interests and addressing regional challenges and threats alongside their fellow Navy Force personnel.

On this occasion, Al-Ghofaily expressed appreciation for the unwavering support provided to the armed forces, particularly the Navy, by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman.

HMS Hail is the third vessel of the Sarawat Project, which entails the construction of five naval ships with advanced capabilities to handle various combat missions with high efficiency.


16th Saudi Relief Plane Arrives in Poland to Deliver Aid to Ukrainian People

The aircraft is carrying 70 tons of relief aid, including electric generators and appliances. (SPA)
The aircraft is carrying 70 tons of relief aid, including electric generators and appliances. (SPA)
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16th Saudi Relief Plane Arrives in Poland to Deliver Aid to Ukrainian People

The aircraft is carrying 70 tons of relief aid, including electric generators and appliances. (SPA)
The aircraft is carrying 70 tons of relief aid, including electric generators and appliances. (SPA)

The 16th Saudi relief plane operated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) arrived in Poland on Tuesday ahead of delivering aid to Ukraine.

The aircraft will cross the border into Ukraine, carrying 70 tons of relief aid, including electric generators and appliances.

This aid reflects Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to supporting needy people and those affected by crises and difficulties around the world.


Saudi Crown Prince Invites Emir of Kuwait to Attend Special World Economic Forum Meeting in Riyadh

Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received on Tuesday an invitation from Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, to attend the special World Economic Forum Meeting in Riyadh in April. (KUNA)
Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received on Tuesday an invitation from Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, to attend the special World Economic Forum Meeting in Riyadh in April. (KUNA)
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Saudi Crown Prince Invites Emir of Kuwait to Attend Special World Economic Forum Meeting in Riyadh

Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received on Tuesday an invitation from Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, to attend the special World Economic Forum Meeting in Riyadh in April. (KUNA)
Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received on Tuesday an invitation from Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, to attend the special World Economic Forum Meeting in Riyadh in April. (KUNA)

Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received on Tuesday an invitation from Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, to attend the special World Economic Forum Meeting in Riyadh in April.

Sheikh Mishal received the written invitation from Saudi Ambassador to Kuwait Prince Sultan bin Saad bin Khaled Al-Saud.

The Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development supports the Forum’s efforts to face emerging global challenges.

The meeting aims to bridge the growing North-South divide, which has further widened on issues such as emerging economic policies, the energy transition and geopolitical shocks.

The meeting will bring together over 700 leaders from all sectors and industries, enabling a comprehensive dialogue on leveraging global cooperation for economic development, promoting a more sustainable energy transition and furthering technological advancement.