Qatar Says Iran Missile Struck Tanker in Its Waters

28 March 2026, Qatar, Doha: A view of the West Bay skyline in Doha with its lights switched off during Earth Hour. (dpa)
28 March 2026, Qatar, Doha: A view of the West Bay skyline in Doha with its lights switched off during Earth Hour. (dpa)
TT

Qatar Says Iran Missile Struck Tanker in Its Waters

28 March 2026, Qatar, Doha: A view of the West Bay skyline in Doha with its lights switched off during Earth Hour. (dpa)
28 March 2026, Qatar, Doha: A view of the West Bay skyline in Doha with its lights switched off during Earth Hour. (dpa)

Qatar said on Wednesday that a tanker leased to its state-owned energy company was struck by an Iranian missile in the Gulf country's territorial waters.

"Qatar was targeted... by three cruise missiles launched from Iran," the Defense Ministry said in a statement.

Qatar's military "intercepted two of the cruise missiles, while the third missile struck an oil tanker leased to QatarEnergy in Qatar's territorial waters," it said.

"Coordination was established with relevant authorities to evacuate the tanker, which had 21 crew members on board, without any human casualties," the ministry added.

Gulf countries have faced repeated drone and missile salvos from Iran over the past month in response to US and Israeli strikes that began at the end of February.

Iran has targeted hydrocarbon infrastructure in the oil-rich Gulf nations as well as shipping, effectively closing the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of global oil usually passes.

QatarEnergy said in a statement the Aqua 1, a fuel oil tanker, had been "the subject of a missile attack in the northern territorial waters of the State of Qatar in the early morning hours of Wednesday".

It confirmed no crew members had been injured and there was "no impact on the environment as a result of this incident".



GCC, India Discuss Ministerial Meeting Set to be Held Next Month

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
TT

GCC, India Discuss Ministerial Meeting Set to be Held Next Month

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi met in Riyadh on Sunday with Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Shri Vipul.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed a number of topics of common interest, most notably relations between the GCC and India, and ways to develop and enhance them in a manner that serves common interests.

They also discussed the latest developments regarding the launch of negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the GCC and India, signed in February 2026, in addition to preparations for the GCC-India ministerial meeting scheduled to be held next September.

The two officials also exchanged views on the latest developments in the region and the world, affirming the importance of continuing coordination and consultation on issues of common interest.


GCC Secretary-General Holds Separate Meetings with South Korean, Georgian Ambassadors

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi
TT

GCC Secretary-General Holds Separate Meetings with South Korean, Georgian Ambassadors

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi met in Riyadh on Sunday with South Korean Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Kang Shin-chul.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed several topics of common interest, most notably GCC-Korean ties and the latest developments on the signing of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the GCC and South Korea, SPA reported.

They also exchanged views on developments in the region, and international and regional efforts aimed at enhancing security and stability.

Albudaiwi also met with Ambassador of Georgia to the Kingdom Nikoloz Revazishvili.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed a number of topics related to strengthening relations between the GCC and Georgia, as well as ways to develop them in a manner that serves common interests, including the latest developments regarding the Joint Action Plan for 2022–2026.

They also discussed the latest developments in the region and the world and exchanged views on a number of issues of common interest.


Senior Officials, Business Leaders to Attend French-Saudi Roundtable on Monday

Saudi Crown Prince during a previous meeting with the French president at the Élysée Palace in Paris (SPA).
Saudi Crown Prince during a previous meeting with the French president at the Élysée Palace in Paris (SPA).
TT

Senior Officials, Business Leaders to Attend French-Saudi Roundtable on Monday

Saudi Crown Prince during a previous meeting with the French president at the Élysée Palace in Paris (SPA).
Saudi Crown Prince during a previous meeting with the French president at the Élysée Palace in Paris (SPA).

As part of the official visit of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to France, Paris will host the French-Saudi Investment Roundtable Meeting on Monday.

Organized by the Ministry of Investment, the roundtable will bring together senior government officials, business leaders, and CEOs of major companies from both countries.

The roundtable will feature strategic discussions among business leaders on industrial partnerships, transportation and logistics, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure. Several agreements and memoranda of understanding covering a range of sectors are also expected to be signed.

The meeting builds on the growing economic and investment ties between Saudi Arabia and France.

It supports joint efforts to expand cooperation, strengthen partnerships between the two countries’ business communities, and translate promising opportunities into high-quality investments and projects that advance their shared interests.