Saudi Arabia, Iran to Launch Arrangements on Reopening of Embassies and Consulates

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amirabdollahian, meet in Beijing. SPA
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amirabdollahian, meet in Beijing. SPA
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Saudi Arabia, Iran to Launch Arrangements on Reopening of Embassies and Consulates

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amirabdollahian, meet in Beijing. SPA
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amirabdollahian, meet in Beijing. SPA

Saudi Arabia and Iran said in a joint statement on Thursday that their agreement in Beijing last month would help bring "security and stability" to the Middle East, adding that they would launch arrangements to reopen missions within the two-month period stipulated in the deal.

Riyadh and Tehran agreed to resume diplomatic ties and re-open embassies in a major deal facilitated by China last month.

"The two sides emphasized the importance of following up on the implementation of the Beijing Agreement and its activation in a way that expands mutual trust and the fields of cooperation and helps create security, stability and prosperity in the region," said a statement issued on Thursday after a meeting between Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amirabdollahian, in Beijing.

Saudi Arabia and Iran also said in the joint statement they would launch arrangements to reopen embassies and consulates within the two-month period stipulated in the deal.

"The technical teams will continue coordination to examine ways of expanding cooperation including the resumption of flights and bilateral visits of official and private sector delegations and facilitating the granting of visas for the citizens of the two countries," they added.

Tehran and Riyadh, according to the joint statement, also underlined the importance of reviving a security pact signed in 2001.



Bahrain Redirects Aircraft to Alternative Airports

This image released by Bahrain's Interior Ministry shows firefighters extinguishing flames after an Iranian projectile struck an industrial area in Ma'ameer, Bahrain, Monday, March 9, 2026. (Bahrain Interior Ministry via AP)
This image released by Bahrain's Interior Ministry shows firefighters extinguishing flames after an Iranian projectile struck an industrial area in Ma'ameer, Bahrain, Monday, March 9, 2026. (Bahrain Interior Ministry via AP)
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Bahrain Redirects Aircraft to Alternative Airports

This image released by Bahrain's Interior Ministry shows firefighters extinguishing flames after an Iranian projectile struck an industrial area in Ma'ameer, Bahrain, Monday, March 9, 2026. (Bahrain Interior Ministry via AP)
This image released by Bahrain's Interior Ministry shows firefighters extinguishing flames after an Iranian projectile struck an industrial area in Ma'ameer, Bahrain, Monday, March 9, 2026. (Bahrain Interior Ministry via AP)

Bahrain's Civil Aviation Affairs said on Wednesday it had coordinated the successful transfer ⁠of aircraft from Bahrain ⁠International Airport to ⁠alternative airports.

The authority said the repositioning was carried out to enhance operational readiness.

Bahrain has been targeted by Iranian drones and missiles, which have killed two people in the country, according to authorities.

In one recent incident, an Iranian drone attack on Bahrain damaged a water desalination plant.


Drones Hit Near Dubai Airport, Wounding 4 People

An alert issued by the United Arab Emirates' Interior Ministry, warning of potential missile threats and instructing to seek shelter, is displayed on a mobile phone, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 11, 2026. REUTERS/Amr Alfiky
An alert issued by the United Arab Emirates' Interior Ministry, warning of potential missile threats and instructing to seek shelter, is displayed on a mobile phone, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 11, 2026. REUTERS/Amr Alfiky
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Drones Hit Near Dubai Airport, Wounding 4 People

An alert issued by the United Arab Emirates' Interior Ministry, warning of potential missile threats and instructing to seek shelter, is displayed on a mobile phone, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 11, 2026. REUTERS/Amr Alfiky
An alert issued by the United Arab Emirates' Interior Ministry, warning of potential missile threats and instructing to seek shelter, is displayed on a mobile phone, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 11, 2026. REUTERS/Amr Alfiky

Two Iranian drones hit near Dubai International Airport on Wednesday, wounding four people though flights continue, authorities said.

The Dubai Media Office said the attack caused “minor injuries to two Ghanaian nationals and one Bangladeshi national, and moderate injuries to one Indian national.”

It said flights continued.


Saudi Defenses Destroy 7 Ballistic Missiles, 22 Drones

Official spokesman of the Saudi Defense Ministry Turki al-Malki. (SPA)
Official spokesman of the Saudi Defense Ministry Turki al-Malki. (SPA)
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Saudi Defenses Destroy 7 Ballistic Missiles, 22 Drones

Official spokesman of the Saudi Defense Ministry Turki al-Malki. (SPA)
Official spokesman of the Saudi Defense Ministry Turki al-Malki. (SPA)

Official spokesman of the Saudi Defense Ministry Turki al-Malki announced on Wednesday that the Kingdom intercepted and destroyed six ballistic missiles that were fired at the Prince Sultan Air Base in the al-Kharj region, 80 kms southeast of Riyadh.

They downed another missile that was fired at the Eastern Region.

Al-Malki added that eight drones were destroyed in the Eastern Region, seven in the Empty Quarter that were fired at the Shaybah oil field, five east of al-Kharj and two in the Hafar al-Batin region in the Kingdom’s northeast.

The Saudi government had on Tuesday underscored the Kingdom’s full right to take measures that ensure its security, sovereignty and safety of its territories, as well as its right to repel attacks.

It hailed the air defense for intercepting and destroying hostile rockets and drones that were fired at the Kingdom.