Gulf Countries Demand to Be Part of Any Regional Security Agreement

Damage to the Kuwait-flagged Al-Salmi crude oil tanker, following a reported strike, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, March 31, 2026. (Kuwait Petroleum Corporation / Reuters)
Damage to the Kuwait-flagged Al-Salmi crude oil tanker, following a reported strike, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, March 31, 2026. (Kuwait Petroleum Corporation / Reuters)
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Gulf Countries Demand to Be Part of Any Regional Security Agreement

Damage to the Kuwait-flagged Al-Salmi crude oil tanker, following a reported strike, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, March 31, 2026. (Kuwait Petroleum Corporation / Reuters)
Damage to the Kuwait-flagged Al-Salmi crude oil tanker, following a reported strike, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, March 31, 2026. (Kuwait Petroleum Corporation / Reuters)

Defenses across the Gulf continued on Wednesday to shoot down dozens of rockets and drones from Iran targeting civilian and private property in blatant violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.

Amid the tensions, Gulf countries stressed on Tuesday the need for them to be part of any future security agreement covering the region. They underlined that their regional security is integral to any future arrangements.

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said Gulf countries share a united stance that calls for ending the escalation.

They are in agreement on the need to be main party to any agreement struck in the region, he told a press briefing.

The countries are in constant contact with each other to serve everyone’s interests, he went on to say.

"Several red lines have been crossed in this war, especially with the targeting of infrastructure and nuclear sites. Gulf leaders are working on ending the war," he stated.

He added that Qatar supports the Pakistan-led mediation to end the conflict, hoping they would lead to peace and de-escalation.

Al-Ansari also warned of the danger against marine navigation in the Gulf, saying the closure of the Hormuz Strait impacts global energy security.

He called against attacks on energy infrastructure, revealing: "We are acting with international partners over Hormuz and we are committed to the security of energy and supply chains."

Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani discussed Hormuz during a recent visit to Washington.

Moreover, Doha rejects attempts to drag it into the conflict, said al-Ansari, while also expressing concern over the possibility of an American ground operation in Iran.

On the ground, Saudi defenses intercepted and destroyed seven ballistic missiles fired at Riyadh and one fired at the Eastern Region.

Twelve drones were also destroyed on Tuesday, said Defense Ministry spokesman Turki al-Malki.

The civil defense, meanwhile, said shrapnel from a downed drone wounded two people and damaged three houses and several vehicles in the Al-Kharj region.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah activated a special operations room to facilitate the arrival of pilgrims amid the war. Efforts will aim to resolve all challenges and offer services to pilgrims arriving from outside the Kingdom, with cooperation being carried out between the General Authority of Civil Aviation and concerned parties to ensure their safety.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfig Al-Rabiah made the announcement during an Umrah forum in Madinah. He underlined the readiness of the ministry and concerned parties to handle emergencies amid the developments in the region.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani meet in Abu Dhabi. (WAM)

In Kuwait, a drone attack by Iran and its allies hit a fuel tank at Kuwait International Airport, sparking a fire, authorities said.

The state-run KUNA news agency said the attack early Wednesday sparked a "large fire" at the airport.

It said there were no immediate injuries from the attack and firefighters were working to control the blaze.

Kuwait International Airport has been attacked before by Iran during the war. The KUNA report suggested the attack may have been launched by Iranian-supported militias in Iraq with Tehran’s support.

The armed forces destroyed five hostile ballistic missiles and seven drones on Tuesday.

In another strike, Bahrain said early on Wednesday morning that it was working to extinguish a fire at a business facility that resulted from an Iranian attack.

A Bangladeshi national was killed by falling shrapnel after a drone interception in the United Arab Emirates, the official WAM news agency said on Wednesday.

"Shrapnel falling from the interception of a drone... resulted in the killing of a person of Bangladeshi nationality," WAM posted on X, adding that the incident happened in Fujairah.

On Tuesday, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held talks on regional developments in Abu Dhabi.

They tackled the impact of the war on the region, world and the global economy.

They discussed the terrorist Iranian attacks against the Gulf and that are targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure.



Qatar Calls for Regional Dialogue to Build Trust with Iran

Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Qatar Calls for Regional Dialogue to Build Trust with Iran

Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Qatar expressed “cautious optimism” on Tuesday that the agreement between the United States and Iran would bolster security in the Middle East.

It called for “regional dialogue” aimed at building trust with Iran after the signing of the deal.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari told a weekly press briefing: “We are cautiously optimistic that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding will lead to the next phase of regional security through talks over the nuclear file and other issues.”

Qatar played a key meditating role in the negotiations that led to the agreement that ended the war between the US and Iran. Washington and Tehran announced that they have reached a MoU to end the conflict. They are set to sign it in Switzerland on Friday.

Al-Ansari said Qatar will be represented at the Switzerland meeting, stressing that it helped bridge divides between the two sides to reach the settlement.

“We hope that the signing of the MoU will restore navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,” he added.

He said the MoU was the first step towards a broader agreement that would ensure stability in the region.

The spokesman said that communication was ongoing to prevent an escalation and to achieve stability in the region. Qatar is in contact with all parties within Pakistan’s mediation.

“We want to restore peace and security in the region to the way they were before the war and we are working towards that,” he stressed.

Moreover, al-Ansari said that Qatar has not paid any funds. “Global coordination is underway to handle the economic fallout of the crisis,” he went on to say.

Meetings are being held through the Pakistani mediation; none are being held in Doha with Washington and Tehran, he clarified.


Portugal Praises Saudi Arabia’s Support for De-Escalation

The two ministers held talks in Lisbon on developments in the region and the world, including efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region. SPA
The two ministers held talks in Lisbon on developments in the region and the world, including efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region. SPA
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Portugal Praises Saudi Arabia’s Support for De-Escalation

The two ministers held talks in Lisbon on developments in the region and the world, including efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region. SPA
The two ministers held talks in Lisbon on developments in the region and the world, including efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region. SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah has met with Portuguese Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel, who praised the Kingdom for calling for de-escalation in the region.

The two ministers held talks in Lisbon on developments in the region and the world, including efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region. They welcomed the agreement between Iran and the United States to end military operations and launch detailed negotiations toward a lasting settlement, underscoring the importance of diplomatic solutions in maintaining regional security and stability.

Prince Faisal renewed his congratulations to Portugal on its election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2027-2028, wishing it success during its term in a way that supports international peace and security.

The Foreign Minister also expressed appreciation for Portugal’s positions in support of regional issues, including its official recognition of the State of Palestine and its backing for peaceful solutions and initiatives to implement the two-state solution.

He further commended Portugal for hosting the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID) in Lisbon, praising its role in promoting understanding and coexistence among peoples.

The Portuguese minister expressed his country's appreciation for the Kingdom's positions, calling for de-escalation and supporting diplomatic efforts and peaceful solutions.

He affirmed Portugal’s keenness to continue coordinating and working jointly with the Kingdom to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade and investment.

Also Tuesday, Prince Faisal and Rangel signed an agreement on the mutual exemption of entry visas for holders of diplomatic and special passports.

It comes within the framework of strengthening bilateral relations between the Kingdom and the Portugal, and aims to facilitate travel and communication, enhance joint coordination, and expand areas of cooperation between the two countries.


Saudi Arabia Stresses Importance of Restoring Freedom of Navigation in Hormuz Strait

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the Cabinet session in Jeddah. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the Cabinet session in Jeddah. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Stresses Importance of Restoring Freedom of Navigation in Hormuz Strait

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the Cabinet session in Jeddah. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the Cabinet session in Jeddah. (SPA)

The Saudi government stressed on Tuesday the importance of restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz to the way it was before the eruption of the US-Israel war on Iran on February 28.

It hoped that peace would be restored to bolster regional and global security and that it would take into account the security interests of countries in the region, including non-interference in their internal affairs.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chaired the Cabinet session that was held in Jeddah.

The Cabinet welcomed the agreement reached between the US and Iran to end military operations and begin negotiations aimed at securing a permanent agreement. It also expressed appreciation for Pakistan and Qatar's mediation efforts in this regard.

Turning to the recent Hajj, the Cabinet expressed praise and thanks to Almighty Allah for bestowing upon Saudi Arabia the honor of serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, and for the remarkable success and meticulous organization achieved during this year’s pilgrimage.

Through integrated efforts, the Kingdom enabled more than 1.7 million pilgrims to perform their rituals in comfort and tranquility, further reinforcing its position as a leading global model in crowd management and the delivery of the highest-quality services to the pilgrims, in accordance with a comprehensive institutional approach founded on planning, data, and advanced technologies.

The Cabinet expressed its appreciation to the Supreme Hajj Committee and all entities involved in the pilgrim service ecosystem for their efforts and dedication in carrying out this great responsibility. Their high levels of coordination, integration, and readiness contributed to achieving the objectives of the security, preventive, organizational, and service plans, while mobilizing all available resources and capabilities to care for pilgrims from their arrival in the Kingdom until their safe return to their home countries.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, presides over the Cabinet session in Jeddah. (SPA)

The Cabinet reviewed discussions and consultations held over the past week between Saudi Arabia and a number of brotherly and friendly countries. The engagements aimed to strengthen relations and advance bilateral and multilateral cooperation and coordination across various fields in a manner that serves common interests, while supporting international efforts to reinforce regional and international security and stability.

The Cabinet said that the selection of Riyadh as the headquarters of the first cybersecurity office established by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) reflects Saudi Arabia’s leadership in cybersecurity. It underscores the Kingdom’s efforts and initiatives to promote stability in cyberspace and support societal prosperity and economic growth.

These efforts have helped position the Kingdom as a leading destination for regional and international organizations operating in this vital sector, said the Cabinet.

It also welcomed the statement by International Monetary Fund (IMF) experts following the conclusion of the 2026 Article IV consultation discussions, which reaffirmed the strength and resilience of the Saudi economy in the face of regional developments.

The statement cited the Kingdom’s strong economic fundamentals, ample reserves, diversified oil and logistics infrastructure, and continued reforms under Saudi Vision 2030.

The Cabinet praised the achievements of the National Transformation Program in 2025, coinciding with the completion of 71% of its implementation initiatives. The initiatives aim to protect the environment, ensure sustainable food and water security, support community development, strengthen the non-profit sector, expand workforce participation among various segments of society, and enhance labor market attractiveness. They also help boost private-sector participation, deepen economic partnerships, and promote excellence in government performance.

The Cabinet highlighted the gains achieved by the Human Capability Development Program in advancing the education and training ecosystem, boosting the competitiveness of Saudi talent locally and globally, fostering a culture of creativity and innovation, expanding the use of modern technologies, and strengthening the Kingdom’s national identity and cultural presence.