Yemen, Gulf Countries Condemn ‘Cowardly’ Attack on Saudi Officers in Seyiun

Saudi forces in the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen. (AFP)
Saudi forces in the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen. (AFP)
TT

Yemen, Gulf Countries Condemn ‘Cowardly’ Attack on Saudi Officers in Seyiun

Saudi forces in the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen. (AFP)
Saudi forces in the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen. (AFP)

Yemen and Gulf countries condemned on Sunday the “cowardly treacherous” attack against Saudi officers of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen in the Yemeni city of Seyiun.

Chairman of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Dr. Rashad al-Alimi slammed the “criminal terrorist attack,” stressing that the perpetrator - a member of the Yemeni army - “does not represent the noble recruits of the armed forces.”

A Saudi officer and another non-commissioned officer were killed in the attack in Seyiun on Friday. Another officer was also wounded.

The armed forces “recognize the great role played by our brothers in the Arab coalition and their sacrifices alongside the Yemeni people,” continued the PLC in a statement.

They recognize the people’s “aspiration for restoring Yemeni state institutions”, as well as the need to end the “terrorist Iran-backed Houthi militias,” it said.

Al-Alimi ordered the arrest of the perpetrator and for an investigation into the attack in coordination with the joint forces command in the coalition.

Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak condemned the attack, saying it does not represent the country’s armed forces.

The Defense Ministry and chief of staff vowed to arrest the perpetrator and to bring him to justice.

“The attack will only make the armed forces only more vigilant and increase coordination with the coalition to confront joint challenges and lead Yemen to a secure and stable future,” said an army statement.

It added that it will work with the Defense Ministry and joint forces to probe the attack and determine its motives.

In separate statements, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain strongly condemned the attacks.

The UAE Foreign Ministry said it “always rejects all forms of violence and terrorism that aim to undermine stability and security and that go against international law.”

It voiced its full solidarity with the Saudi forces. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are members of the Arab coalition.

It said it supports the measures Saudi Arabia will take to preserve its security and safety of its soldiers and citizens.

The Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry condemned the “treacherous” attack, underlining its constant support to Saudi Arabia and the measures it takes to maintain regional security and stability, including its efforts in the Arab coalition to restore legitimacy in Yemen.

Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry offered its condolences to Saudi Arabia over the deaths of the two officers.

It stressed its support for Saudi efforts in leading the coalition and the Kingdom’s humanitarian and development role in Yemen that are part of its efforts to reach a permanent political solution in the war-torn country.



Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
TT

Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi reaffirmed Iran and Saudi Arabia’s mutual determination to establish lasting peace and stability in the region.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh, Ravanchi emphasized that achieving this goal requires sustained bilateral and regional cooperation to address current threats and build a foundation for prosperity and security.
During his meetings with the Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed ElKhereiji, Ravanchi discussed strengthening bilateral relations in political, economic, and consular fields, and explored key regional and international issues.
He described Saudi-Iranian efforts as a “successful model of bilateral and multilateral cooperation,” aimed at fostering peace, security, and development on both regional and international levels. Ravanchi underscored the importance of historical ties and the principle of good neighborliness as the basis for advancing this relationship.
Following the second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian trilateral committee in Riyadh, both Saudi Arabia and Iran reiterated their full commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement, according to a statement by the Saudi foreign ministry. The accord, mediated by China, aims to restore diplomatic ties and promote mutual respect for sovereignty and security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and international law.
China praised the progress achieved since the agreement’s signing, including the reopening of embassies and increased bilateral engagement. It pledged to continue supporting Saudi-Iranian efforts to deepen their cooperation and maintain regional stability.
Ravanchi, who previously served as Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations and was a member of the Iranian nuclear negotiating team with the P5+1, described the atmosphere of the meetings as “cordial and transparent.” He added that the three nations exchanged views on topics of mutual interest and stressed the importance of continuing this “positive and forward-looking process.” He also revealed “constructive and friendly” meetings held by the Iranian delegation with their Saudi hosts and Chinese counterparts, during which they discussed enhancing bilateral and trilateral cooperation and reviewed developments in relations over the past year.
One significant development has been the improvement in consular services. Over 87,000 Iranian pilgrims performed Hajj, and more than 52,000 completed Umrah in the past year, demonstrating enhanced coordination. Additionally, the first meeting of the Saudi-Iranian Joint Media Committee and the signing of an MoU between Saudi Arabia’s Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies further strengthened institutional ties.
The trilateral meeting also tackled pressing regional challenges, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The participants condemned Israel’s aggression in Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of humanitarian aid to affected regions. They warned that ongoing violence poses significant risks to regional and global security, including threats to maritime safety.
On Yemen, the parties reiterated their support for a comprehensive political solution under United Nations auspices. They emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace in the war-torn country.
Saudi-Iranian relations have undergone a remarkable transformation since the signing of the Beijing Agreement. The reopening of embassies, including Iran’s embassy in Riyadh in June after a seven-year hiatus, marked a turning point in their ties.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Alireza Bigdeli described the day as a “historic milestone” in Saudi-Iranian relations. He expressed confidence that the renewed relationship would reach its peak, emphasizing that the restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia opens a new chapter in bilateral and regional relations, aimed at greater cooperation and stability.