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Gulf

Arab Summit in Bahrain: Gaza Ceasefire Prioritized

The preparatory meeting of Arab foreign ministers for the Arab Summit, chaired by Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Abdullatif Al Zayani (image from the Arab League)
The preparatory meeting of Arab foreign ministers for the Arab Summit, chaired by Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Abdullatif Al Zayani (image from the Arab League)
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Arab Summit in Bahrain: Gaza Ceasefire Prioritized

The preparatory meeting of Arab foreign ministers for the Arab Summit, chaired by Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Abdullatif Al Zayani (image from the Arab League)
The preparatory meeting of Arab foreign ministers for the Arab Summit, chaired by Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Abdullatif Al Zayani (image from the Arab League)

The Israeli war on Gaza will dominate the Arab Summit set to take place in Bahrain on Thursday, as Arab support for an international conference on the two-state solution gains traction.

Arab League chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit urged joint Arab action to stop the war and pave the way for a Palestinian state based on the two-state solution.

The dire situation in Gaza has cast a shadow over the Arab Foreign Ministers’ preparatory meeting for the Arab Summit in Bahrain on Tuesday.

Aboul Gheit told ministers that words fail to express the anger and sadness felt towards what is happening in Gaza, adding that the Israeli leaders’ thirst for revenge has led to appalling crimes, recognized as ethnic cleansing.

Aboul Gheit called the aggression a “shameful stain,” not just on Israel but on the world for allowing such atrocities.

Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ambassador Hossam Zaki, said the ministers agreed on all agenda items, mainly focusing on politics, with the Palestinian issue at the forefront due to the Israeli aggression.

Zaki said Arab states aren’t keen on discussing post-war plans for Gaza, focusing instead on a ceasefire for ending the conflict.

Aboul Gheit urged support for recognizing Palestine, pushing for an international conference involving all parties committed to the two-state solution.

He stressed that both Palestinians and Israelis can’t solve the issue alone and need ongoing international intervention.

He also highlighted the need for international intervention to protect Palestinians from genocide, stating that bilateral negotiations are no longer viable as Israel refuses to end the occupation and establish a Palestinian state.

Sources disclosed that Arab foreign ministers discussed aligning positions to present a unified Arab stance on the Gaza conflict and Palestinian statehood at the Arab summit. They also coordinated on summit documents and resolutions.

Arab foreign ministers met informally with Aboul Gheit before their preparatory session to discuss the agenda for the 33rd Arab Summit in Bahrain.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan emphasized Saudi Arabia’s support for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, continuous aid access, and a clear path towards a two-state solution for Palestine.

Aboul Gheit affirmed that the Arab gathering is in support of recognizing Palestine as part of a concrete plan leading to an international conference involving all parties committed to the two-state solution.

Following the Arab foreign ministers’ meeting on Tuesday, Zaki highlighted Arab consensus on Palestine spans various fronts, with substantial political support crucial for the cause’s integrity.

He dismissed notions of significant discord, asserting that while differing views on peace and Palestine exist, Arab political backing remains steadfast, evident in decisions at the Arab Summit in Bahrain.

On Gaza’s post-war phase, Zaki stated that Arab states won’t discuss it officially until hostilities cease to prevent harm to the cause. He emphasized the summit’s focus on halting Israeli aggression.

Zaki also mentioned extensive discussions among Arab foreign ministers regarding the Rafah incursion, indicating it will influence a robust Arab stance.

Arab nations back the proposal for an international conference to safeguard Palestinians and push for progress towards a two-state solution.

Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani and Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Ayman Safadi met on Monday to discuss Gaza’s situation and regional efforts to stop the conflict.

Both emphasized the need to halt military actions in Rafah and warned against Israel’s ongoing occupation of the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing, which blocks humanitarian aid.

They stressed implementing the two-state solution to end the occupation and meet Palestinian rights.

The agenda of the Arab Summit in Bahrain will cover Arab cooperation in politics, economics, social issues, culture, media, security, and collaboration with international and regional groups.

Besides Gaza, the summit will address crises like the war in Sudan, which also faces famine.

The summit will also tackle crises in Libya, Yemen, and Syria. On his part, Aboul Gheit stressed the need for ongoing Arab efforts to prevent these crises from being forgotten.

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Gulf

UAE Condemns Attack on its Consulate in Iraqi Kurdistan

A general view shows the Dukan dam in Sulaimaniyah in Iraq's northern Kurdistan region on March 11, 2026. (Photo by Ozan KOSE / AFP)
A general view shows the Dukan dam in Sulaimaniyah in Iraq's northern Kurdistan region on March 11, 2026. (Photo by Ozan KOSE / AFP)
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UAE Condemns Attack on its Consulate in Iraqi Kurdistan

A general view shows the Dukan dam in Sulaimaniyah in Iraq's northern Kurdistan region on March 11, 2026. (Photo by Ozan KOSE / AFP)
A general view shows the Dukan dam in Sulaimaniyah in Iraq's northern Kurdistan region on March 11, 2026. (Photo by Ozan KOSE / AFP)

The UAE slammed the targeting of its consulate in Iraqi Kurdistan for the second time in a week, the foreign affairs ministry said in a statement Saturday.

"The United Arab Emirates expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the treacherous terrorist attack by a drone, which targeted the UAE Consulate General in Iraqi Kurdistan, for the second time in a week, and resulted in the injury of two security personnel and caused damage to the consulate building," it said.

Iraq's Kurdistan regional government later denounced the attack, labelling it "a terrorist act that threatens the sovereignty of Kurdish and Iraqi territory.”

It urged Baghdad to fulfil its responsibility and put an end to the activities of "armed groups and militias targeting residents" in the Kurdistan region and across Iraq.

Gulf

Kuwait: Drones Cause Damage, Injuries Near US Base

Vehicles drive along a highway during a heavy rain in Kuwait City on March 12, 2026. (Photo by YASSER AL-ZAYYAT / AFP)
Vehicles drive along a highway during a heavy rain in Kuwait City on March 12, 2026. (Photo by YASSER AL-ZAYYAT / AFP)
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Kuwait: Drones Cause Damage, Injuries Near US Base

Vehicles drive along a highway during a heavy rain in Kuwait City on March 12, 2026. (Photo by YASSER AL-ZAYYAT / AFP)
Vehicles drive along a highway during a heavy rain in Kuwait City on March 12, 2026. (Photo by YASSER AL-ZAYYAT / AFP)

Two drones targeted an airbase in Kuwait housing US military staff, injuring Kuwaiti personnel and causing damage, the defense ministry said on Saturday.

"Three members of the armed forces sustained minor injuries" after the attack on Ahmed Al-Jaber Air Base, spokesperson Colonel Saud Al-Atwan said in a statement.

The base is near Camp Arifjan, a major US facility.

Gulf

Saudi Arabia Downs 60 Drones, Two Killed in Oman

The Callisto tanker sits anchored in Port Sultan Qaboos as the traffic is down in the Strait of Hormuz, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Muscat, Oman, March 12, 2026. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
The Callisto tanker sits anchored in Port Sultan Qaboos as the traffic is down in the Strait of Hormuz, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Muscat, Oman, March 12, 2026. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
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Saudi Arabia Downs 60 Drones, Two Killed in Oman

The Callisto tanker sits anchored in Port Sultan Qaboos as the traffic is down in the Strait of Hormuz, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Muscat, Oman, March 12, 2026. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
The Callisto tanker sits anchored in Port Sultan Qaboos as the traffic is down in the Strait of Hormuz, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Muscat, Oman, March 12, 2026. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

Gulf air defenses continued on Friday to intercept Iranian missiles and drones in attacks that have persisted for two weeks, striking residential areas, civilian facilities and critical infrastructure and causing casualties and material damage.

Gulf states said they remain fully prepared to confront any threats and will respond firmly to attempts to undermine their security, stressing their determination to safeguard sovereignty, stability and national interests.

Jasem Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), warned the Iranian attacks could have negative repercussions for the global economy and the stability of international markets. He said the danger extends beyond Gulf security and threatens international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement issued Friday after separate ministerial meetings held by video conference with Jordan, Egypt, Morocco and Britain, Albudaiwi said targeting commercial vessels and key maritime routes poses a direct threat to freedom of navigation and exposes global trade and energy security to serious risks.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Defense Ministry Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki said air defenses intercepted and destroyed 62 drones from early Friday until 8:00 p.m. local time.

Twenty-eight drones were shot down after entering Saudi airspace, 20 in the Eastern Province, seven across the Eastern and Central regions, three in Al-Kharj governorate, three in Al-Kharj and the Empty Quarter, and one while attempting to approach the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh.

Oman

An Omani security source said two drones crashed in the Wilayat of Sohar. One fell in the Al-Awahi industrial area, killing two expatriates and injuring others, while the second landed in an open area without causing casualties.

The source, cited by the Oman News Agency, praised the cooperation of citizens and residents in avoiding the spread of images and rumors and relying on official sources, adding that all efforts are being mobilized to protect the Sultanate and those living in it.

United Arab Emirates

The UAE said its air defenses intercepted seven ballistic missiles and 27 drones launched from Iran on Friday, bringing the total since the start of the attacks to 285 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,567 drones.

The Defense Ministry said the attacks have left six people dead — including Emirati, Pakistani, Nepali and Bangladeshi nationals — and 141 injured with minor to moderate wounds among people of multiple nationalities.

The ministry later said air defenses were continuing to intercept incoming missiles and drones from Iran, adding that sounds heard in parts of the country were caused by ballistic missile defense systems and fighter jets engaging drones and cruise missiles.

It said it remains fully prepared to confront any threats and will act firmly against any attempt to undermine the country’s security.

Dubai’s government media office said authorities dealt early Friday with a minor incident caused by debris from an intercepted aerial object that struck the facade of a building in central Dubai, with no injuries reported.

The UAE Civil Aviation Authority said flight operations were gradually resuming, urging travelers to check with airlines before heading to the airport.

It said 1.4 million passengers passed through the country’s airports between March 1 and March 12, with 7,839 flight movements recorded. National carriers have restored 44.6% of their previous operating levels.

Bahrain

Bahrain’s Defense Force said air defense systems continued to confront successive waves of Iranian attacks, adding that 115 missiles and 191 drones targeting the country have been intercepted and destroyed since the start of the assault.

The command described the use of ballistic missiles and drones against civilian sites and private property as a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and the United Nations Charter, warning the attacks pose a direct threat to regional peace and security.

Authorities urged the public to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary, avoid damaged areas and suspicious objects, refrain from photographing military operations or debris sites and rely only on official information.

Kuwait

Kuwait’s Defense Ministry Spokesperson, Colonel Saud Al-Atwan, said one hostile ballistic missile was detected over the past 24 hours outside the threat zone, posing no danger and causing no damage.

He said monitoring of potential aerial threats continues as part of defensive measures to protect the country’s airspace.

Interior Ministry Spokesperson Brigadier Nasser Bousleib said authorities detected individuals using drones for aerial filming in violation of previously announced instructions, warning that such actions hinder security and military efforts and that violators will face legal action.

Bomb disposal teams handled 16 reports in the past 24 hours linked to debris from intercepted projectiles, bringing the total number of reports since the start of the Iranian attacks to 372.

Health Ministry Spokesperson Dr. Abdullah Al-Sanad said the country’s health situation remains stable, with hospitals and health centers operating at full capacity and medical teams ready to respond to any emergency.

He said two people were injured on Thursday when a residential building was struck and were transferred to Al-Adan Hospital. Authorities also launched a psychological support hotline (151) for citizens and residents.

The Commerce Ministry said the first Kuwait Airways flights carrying fresh food supplies had arrived in the country, in coordination with the private sector, to accelerate deliveries and support market supplies. The shipments included fresh meat, fruits, vegetables and other food items.

Qatar

Qatar’s Interior Ministry said the situation in the country remains stable and that services continue to operate normally across sectors, while authorities monitor developments.

The ministry said the national warning system is activated only when urgent preventive measures are required to protect public safety. It urged the public to follow official alerts, remain indoors away from windows and exposed areas, and avoid going out until the threat has passed.

It also warned against filming or publishing footage from incident sites or response operations and against sharing unverified material on social media.

Environmental monitoring indicators show air quality in the country at 100%, the ministry said, adding that no pollution has been detected in the air or marine environment as part of ongoing environmental monitoring.

Separately, Qatar Tourism said the temporary extension of hotel stays for visitors affected by travel disruptions will remain in effect until March 14.

The measure gives affected guests additional time to arrange their travel.

Visitors whose flights have been canceled or disrupted since Feb. 28 have been offered free hotel stays with three daily meals, coordinated with the hospitality sector.