Saudi Arabia Stresses It Will Not Be Lenient in Protecting Its Security, Interests, and National Capabilities

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the Cabinet meeting in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the Cabinet meeting in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Stresses It Will Not Be Lenient in Protecting Its Security, Interests, and National Capabilities

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the Cabinet meeting in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the Cabinet meeting in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)

The Saudi Cabinet stressed on Tuesday that the Kingdom will not tolerate any compromise to its security, interests, and national capabilities. It vowed to respond decisively to any hostile acts in line with international humanitarian law and the principle of proportionality.

The Cabinet also strongly condemned the attacks by Iran-backed terrorist militias in Yemen and Iraq targeting oil facilities in the Riyadh Region and Eastern Province, as well as commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chaired the Cabinet meeting in Jeddah.

He briefed the Cabinet on the telephone calls he held with Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and British Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Discussions tackled regional developments, along with the ongoing efforts to boost security and stability in the region.

The Cabinet stressed the need for the Iraqi government to take all necessary measures to ensure its territory is not used as a launchpad for attacks.

It expressed appreciation for the stances of countries and international organizations that condemned the criminal attacks, which the Kingdom's air defenses successfully and competently intercepted.

The Cabinet reviewed the ongoing efforts exerted by Saudi Arabia through communication and consultation with brotherly and friendly nations to de-escalate and contain tensions in the region, ensure the security of waterways in the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea, and support all measures contributing to regional and international stability.

Ministers are seen at the Cabinet session in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)

The Cabinet underlined Saudi Arabia's commitment to consolidating the approach of dialogue and diplomacy and strengthening joint international action, especially as the region undergoes a critical phase.

This phase requires establishing a regional system based on adherence to the fundamental principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, foremost of which are safeguarding state sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, respecting the principles of good neighborliness, ensuring freedom of navigation, and complying with international law.

On domestic affairs, the Cabinet reviewed the state's overall performance, particularly regarding the continuous upgrading of its sectors and agencies, and the improvement of services provided to citizens.

It noted the passage of the General Education Law, which marks a qualitative shift in developing and governing the education sector, providing the necessary enablers to achieve its targets, boosting the quality of both the educational environment, and regulating the roles of the private and non-profit sectors to fulfill the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

The Cabinet praised the Quality of Life Program for achieving results that exceeded the economic and developmental targets set for its strategic initiatives. It highlighted the program's growing role in contributing to the non-oil GDP, developing services across all cities, and driving the culture, sports, entertainment, and tourism sectors toward new horizons that have elevated the Kingdom's position as an attractive global destination.



Bahrain Condemns Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia, Urges Decisive Security Council Measures

A view of Bahrain's capital Manama. (Getty Images)
A view of Bahrain's capital Manama. (Getty Images)
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Bahrain Condemns Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia, Urges Decisive Security Council Measures

A view of Bahrain's capital Manama. (Getty Images)
A view of Bahrain's capital Manama. (Getty Images)

Bahrain strongly condemned on Wednesday continued attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi terrorist militia on civilian, economic, and vital facilities in Saudi Arabia.

A Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement denounced the militia's missile and drone launches toward Riyadh, Dhahran, Khamis Mushait and other areas, describing them as “a dangerous escalation, a flagrant violation of international law, international humanitarian law and the UN Charter, and a threat to civilian lives and regional security and stability.”

The ministry reaffirmed Bahrain's “full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its full support for all measures that Saudi Arabia takes to safeguard its sovereignty, security and stability and protect citizens and residents.”

Bahrain underscored Saudi Arabia's inherent right to self-defense under Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations.

It stressed that Saudi Arabia's security and stability are integral to Bahrain's security and that of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.

The statement reiterated Bahrain's call for the United Nations Security Council to take decisive measures to halt repeated Houthi terrorist attacks targeting civilians and civilian objects in Saudi Arabia, hold those responsible and their supporters accountable.

It urged it to ensure the implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions, thereby protecting civilians, ensuring the safety and security of air and maritime navigation, safeguarding energy supplies and global trade, and preserving regional and international peace and security.


Saudi FM Receives Phone Call from Italian Counterpart Condemning Houthi Attacks on Kingdom

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Italian counterpart Antonio Tajani. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Italian counterpart Antonio Tajani. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi FM Receives Phone Call from Italian Counterpart Condemning Houthi Attacks on Kingdom

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Italian counterpart Antonio Tajani. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Italian counterpart Antonio Tajani. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received on Wednesday a telephone call from his Italian counterpart Antonio Tajani, who expressed his country's condemnation of the brutal Houthi attacks against the Kingdom.

He underlined Italy's solidarity with the Kingdom and support for the measures it takes to safeguard its security.

He also underscored his country's gratitude to the Saudi authorities for their efforts to ensure the safety of residents in the Kingdom, including Italian nationals.

The FMs discussed regional and international developments and efforts to ensure the safety and freedom of maritime navigation through the Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb Straits, facilitating the smooth flow of international trade and preserving regional security and stability.


Saudi Arabia Condemns Colombia’s Opening of Embassy in Jerusalem

Diplomats watch regards from Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella (on screen) during a ceremony marking the opening of Colombia's new embassy in Jerusalem, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem, Israel, 14 October 2026. (EPA)
Diplomats watch regards from Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella (on screen) during a ceremony marking the opening of Colombia's new embassy in Jerusalem, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem, Israel, 14 October 2026. (EPA)
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Saudi Arabia Condemns Colombia’s Opening of Embassy in Jerusalem

Diplomats watch regards from Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella (on screen) during a ceremony marking the opening of Colombia's new embassy in Jerusalem, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem, Israel, 14 October 2026. (EPA)
Diplomats watch regards from Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella (on screen) during a ceremony marking the opening of Colombia's new embassy in Jerusalem, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem, Israel, 14 October 2026. (EPA)

Saudi Arabia condemned on Wednesday Colombia’s opening of its embassy in Jerusalem.

A Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement said the Kingdom deemed the move “a flagrant violation of international law and relevant international legitimacy resolutions and a direct infringement of the legal and historical status of the occupied city.”

“The Kingdom stresses that this step contradicts the established international position regarding the legal and historical status of Jerusalem,” it added.

“It reiterates its call to the international community, including the UN Security Council and all concerned parties, to uphold their legal and moral responsibilities and to take urgent action to halt the illegal Israeli policies aimed at imposing a new reality by force and undermining prospects for achieving a just and lasting peace,” it said.

The Arab League also condemned Colombia’s move, describing it as a violation of relevant international resolutions. It said the move disregards the legal and political status of East Jerusalem, which is part of the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 and the capital of the State of Palestine. 

It warned of the repercussions of the move, which was taken despite repeated warnings and communications with the Colombian side.  

The decision runs counter to the international consensus on Jerusalem and infringes upon the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people, it added. 

The legal status of Jerusalem cannot be altered through unilateral measures or diplomatic decisions that violate international law, it declared. 

It cited UN Security Council Resolution 478, which rejected measures aimed at altering the character and status of Jerusalem and called on states to withdraw their diplomatic missions from the city.  

It also cited Resolution 2334, which affirmed that changes to the June 4, 1967 borders, including those concerning Jerusalem, would not be recognized unless agreed upon by the parties through negotiations. 

The Arab League stressed that relevant international resolutions, including those of the UN General Assembly, form the basis for addressing the issue of Jerusalem.  

“Unilateral measures affecting the city's legal or political status undermine peace efforts and weaken prospects for a just and lasting settlement based on the two-state solution,” it warned. 

The Arab League called on Colombia to reconsider and reverse its decision and adhere to the principles of the UN Charter, international law, and relevant international resolutions. It emphasized that respecting Jerusalem's legal status is an international responsibility and that unilateral measures serve neither peace nor stability.