‘Riyadh Meeting’ Monitors the Handling of Iranian Activities

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Asharq Al-Awsat
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Asharq Al-Awsat
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‘Riyadh Meeting’ Monitors the Handling of Iranian Activities

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Asharq Al-Awsat
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Asharq Al-Awsat

Western, Gulf and Arab officials affirmed in Riyadh on Thursday their determination to address broad security concerns in the region, including Iran’s destabilizing activities.

The coordination meeting was attended by the US Special Envoy for Iran, the political directors of the foreign ministries in France, Britain and Germany, and their counterparts in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Egypt and Jordan.

Participants exchanged views on the political and security situation in the region, including Iran’s actions. They also addressed the upcoming seventh round of talks on the return of Iran and the United States to mutual, full compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA).

A joint statement released after the meeting reiterated the importance of quickly reaching and implementing a negotiated solution to that end and of ensuring that Iran’s nuclear program is exclusively for peaceful purposes.

The political directors and the US Special Envoy for Iran welcomed the regional partners’ efforts to deescalate tensions and promote dialogue in the region.

They affirmed their determination to continue to address broader security concerns of the region. They discussed Iran’s destabilizing activities in the region, including the use and transfer of ballistic missiles and UAVs that have led to attacks against regional partners. They reiterated their concern for and condemnation of such destabilizing activities.

They underlined that enhanced regional dialogue and a return to mutual compliance with the JCPoA would benefit the entire Middle East, allow for more regional partnerships and economic exchange, with long-lasting implications for growth and the well-being of all people there, including in Iran.



Saudi Arabia: $26,600 Fine for Issuing Visit Visas to Individuals Attempting to Perform Hajj

Saudi Arabia is keen to enable pilgrims to perform their rituals in a safe and organized environment (Photo: Mohammed Al-Mana)
Saudi Arabia is keen to enable pilgrims to perform their rituals in a safe and organized environment (Photo: Mohammed Al-Mana)
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Saudi Arabia: $26,600 Fine for Issuing Visit Visas to Individuals Attempting to Perform Hajj

Saudi Arabia is keen to enable pilgrims to perform their rituals in a safe and organized environment (Photo: Mohammed Al-Mana)
Saudi Arabia is keen to enable pilgrims to perform their rituals in a safe and organized environment (Photo: Mohammed Al-Mana)

The Saudi Ministry of Interior has announced that a fine of up to SAR100,000 ($26,600) will be imposed on anyone who applies for any type of visit visa on behalf of individuals who perform, or attempt to perform, Hajj without a permit, or who enter or stay in Makkah and the holy sites.

The fine will be multiplied according to the number of individuals for whom visit visas were issued and who violate these regulations, the ministry said on Saturday.

It urged upon everyone to adhere to the regulations of the Hajj season and to cooperate with the competent authorities in ensuring the safety and security of the pilgrims, affirming that any violation of these instructions will subject the offenders to legal penalties.

It also encouraged the public to report any violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, or 999 in the rest of the Kingdom.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also underscored that strict adherence to official Hajj permits is a fundamental requirement for ensuring the security and safety of all pilgrims.

The ministry explained that the permit system is a critical component of crowd management and the balanced distribution of pilgrims across the holy sites. This structure ensures that field services are fully prepared to meet the needs of specific Hajj campaigns at the correct times and locations.

The ministry cautioned that violating these regulations not only exposes offenders to legal penalties but also compromises the security of the broader pilgrimage population and the efficiency of the service infrastructure.


Saudi Arabia Stresses its Keenness on Lebanon's Internal Stability

Advisor to the Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Yazid bin Farhan. (NNA)
Advisor to the Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Yazid bin Farhan. (NNA)
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Saudi Arabia Stresses its Keenness on Lebanon's Internal Stability

Advisor to the Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Yazid bin Farhan. (NNA)
Advisor to the Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Yazid bin Farhan. (NNA)

Advisor to the Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Yazid bin Farhan renewed on Friday the Kingdom’s keenness on Lebanon’s internal stability, and commitment to the Taif Accords.

The Kingdom will exert all possible diplomatic efforts to save Lebanon and its people, he was quoted as saying by Lebanese MPs who met him in Beirut.

MP Fouad Makhzoumi wrote on X that he had a “fruitful” meeting with Prince Yazid bin Farhan that was attended by Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Waleed al-Bukhari.

“We expressed our deep gratitude to Saudi Arabia, in cooperation with the United States, on their significant role in supporting Lebanon’s stability and efforts to restore calm and end hostilities,” he added in reference to the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

He hailed Saudi Arabia’s support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and the need to limit the possession of weapons to the state’s legitimate authorities.

The members of the National Moderation bloc also met with Prince Yazid bin Farhan, saying that talks focused on the situation in Lebanon and the region, especially the US-led negotiations between Beirut and Tel Aviv.

A statement from the bloc, said the Saudi envoy expressed the Kingdom’s keenness on Lebanon’s internal stability and commitment to the Taif Accords.

He urged the need to steer clear of rhetoric that would fuel internal divisions or harm civil peace.

The bloc is comprised of MPs Mohammed Suleiman, Ahmed al-Kheir, Sajih Attieh, Abdulaziz al-Samad and its Secretary Hadi Hbeish.

The National Consensus bloc of MP Faisal Karami also met with the Saudi envoy for talks on the latest local and regional developments.


Qatar Emir, Trump Discuss Washington-Tehran Ceasefire

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and US President Donald Trump. (QNA)
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and US President Donald Trump. (QNA)
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Qatar Emir, Trump Discuss Washington-Tehran Ceasefire

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and US President Donald Trump. (QNA)
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and US President Donald Trump. (QNA)

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani discussed developments ‌in ‌the Washington-Tehran ceasefire ‌agreement ⁠in a phone call ⁠with US President Donald Trump, ⁠Qatari state ‌news ‌agency reported ‌on ‌Friday.

He added that Qatar would ‌continue coordinating with partners to ⁠support ⁠mediation efforts led by Pakistan to achieve regional security and stability.

Sheikh Tamim stressed the need for easing tensions and supporting peaceful solutions.