Latest news with #RegionalStability
Irish Times
a day ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Israel-Iran war: Gulf states scramble to secure diplomatic solution
Arab Gulf states have engaged on multiple diplomatic fronts to end the Israel-Iran war and return to regional stability as tensions rise. Unanimous Gulf condemnation of Israel's attack on Iran has presaged a battle for self-preservation. The war could destroy decades of economic advancement achieved by the Gulf countries and destabilise the region. Having cultivated relations with Iran for years, the six Gulf Co-operation Council states – the United Arab Emirates , Saudi Arabia , Oman, Bahrain , Qatar and Kuwait – are campaigning for an end to hostilities. They fear US intervention on Israel's side could prompt Iran to retaliate by striking US military bases in the Gulf, dangerously widening the conflict. An Emirati analyst who has close ties to his government said the Gulf leaders 'may not support US intervention [by] allowing airspace access or the use of bases, but they can't prevent it'. Iran could retaliate by closing the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 per cent of the world's oil flows, while Israel could bomb Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant, located on the Gulf coast, which would release land, sea and air pollution. READ MORE Due to its ties to both Iran and Israel, the Emirates has taken the lead. President Mohammed bin Zayed told his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian that the Emirates has been engaged in 'intensive consultations with all concerned parties' to de-escalate the crisis. Bin Zayed has also contacted Russian president Vladimir Putin , who in turn has spoken to Pezeshkian, Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu and US president Donald Trump with the same objective. Oman has been incensed over Israel's attack, which disrupted talks the sultanate had mediated between the US and Iran on limiting Tehran's nuclear programme in exchange for the lifting of sanctions. The cancelled sixth round of talks was to take place last Sunday, 48 hours after Israel began bombing Iran. Tehran has said Iran will resume the talks once there is a ceasefire. Having restored diplomatic ties with Iran in 2023 after six years of estrangement, Saudi Arabia has engaged with Tehran and Washington since 'day one', according to Saudi analyst Ali Shihabi. The best outcome would be a deal between Iran and the US, he said. Crown prince and de facto Saudi ruler Mohammed bin Salman has discussed the situation with the Iranian and Emirati presidents. The prince fears war could disrupt his 2030 plan to develop the kingdom's economy and reduce its dependence on volatile oil revenues. [ Israel-Iran latest: Israeli minister says Khamenei 'can no longer be allowed to exist' after hospital strike Opens in new window ] Qatar – which has mediated between Hamas and Israel – has been 'engaging daily' with the US, its foreign ministry spokesman said. Kuwait could be the Gulf country to suffer most from a possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz as 90 per cent of its exports pass through the waterway. Its government fears spillover from the Israel-Iran war could extend far beyond the Gulf region.
Arab News
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Pakistan strongly condemns Israel's attacks on Iran, says they undermine regional stability
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday condemned Israel's 'unjustified' attacks against Iran, warning that it undermines regional stability hours after Tel Aviv targeted the country's nuclear program and raised the potential for an all-out war between the two Middle East adversaries. Israel launched strikes on Tehran early Friday, with black smoke being seen rising from the nation's main nuclear enrichment facility. Multiple sites around the country were hit, with the leader of Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard confirmed dead, Iranian state television reported. The development would serve as a body blow to Tehran's governing theocracy and an immediate escalation of the nations' long-simmering conflict. Israeli leaders cast the preemptive assault as a fight for the nation's survival and necessary to head off what they described as an imminent threat that Iran would build nuclear bombs. It remains unclear how close the country is to achieving that. 'Strongly condemn unjustified Israeli attacks on Islamic Republic of Iran which is a brazen violation of Iran's sovereignty,' Dar wrote on social media platform X. Dar said the 'abhorrent action' had violated international law and 'gravely undermines' regional stability and international security. 'Pakistan stands in solidarity with the Government & the people of Iran,' he added. Strongly condemn unjustified Israeli attacks on Islamic republic of Iran which is a brazen violation of Iran's sovereignty. This abhorrent action has shaken foundations of international law as well as conscience of humanity; and gravely undermines regional stability & int'l… — Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) June 13, 2025 In a separate statement, Pakistan's foreign office said Iran has the right to self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. 'The international community and the United Nations bear responsibility to uphold international law, stop this aggression immediately and hold the aggressor accountable for its actions,' the statement read. Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry also condemned the attack, saying that it violated international laws. 'While the Kingdom condemns these heinous attacks, it affirms that the international community and the (UN) Security Council bear a great responsibility to immediately halt this aggression,' the Saudi foreign ministry said. #Statement | The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the blatant Israeli aggressions against the brotherly Islamic Republic of Iran, which undermine its sovereignty and security and constitute a clear violation of international laws and… — Foreign Ministry (@KSAmofaEN) June 13, 2025 Iran's retaliation appeared to be underway immediately, as Israel's military said Tehran had launched more than 100 drones toward its territory. All of Israel's aerial defenses had been activated, military spokesperson Effie Defrin said, adding, 'we're expecting difficult hours.' Iran's state TV offered few details about Gen. Hossein Salami, the head of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps who various international news websites reported had been killed, but said another top Guard official, as well as two nuclear scientists, were also feared dead. In Washington, the Trump administration, which had cautioned Israel against an attack during continued negotiations over Iran's nuclear enrichment program, said it had not been involved and warned against any retaliation targeting US interests or personnel. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Israel took 'unilateral action against Iran' and that Israel advised the US that it believed the strikes were necessary for its self-defense. 'We are not involved in strikes against Iran, and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region,' Rubio said in a statement released by the White House. The potential for an attack had been apparent for weeks. President Donald Trump on Thursday said that he did not believe an attack was imminent but also acknowledged that it 'could very well happen.' As tensions rose, the US pulled some diplomats from Iraq's capital and offered voluntary evacuations for the families of US troops in the wider Middle East. With additional input from Associated Press
Malay Mail
25-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Indonesia's Prabowo backs stronger China ties, salutes Beijing's stand on Palestine
JAKARTA, May 25 — Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto praised China's support for developing nations and its long-standing advocacy for the Palestinian cause. 'To this day, China's leadership – particularly in defending the rights of the Palestinian people – remains an inspiration to us all,' he said during the Indonesia-China Business Reception 2025, held in Central Jakarta on Saturday evening. The event, hosted by the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was attended by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who arrived in Indonesia on Saturday for a three-day official visit. Prabowo also emphasised the strategic importance of Indonesia's partnership with China, calling the relationship crucial for safeguarding regional peace and stability. 'The relationship between Indonesia and China is highly strategic, deeply important, and greatly promising, with the potential to shape the course of peace and stability throughout our region,' he said. Prabowo praised China's ancient civilisation and enduring cultural values, highlighting its emphasis on 'the common good, mutual benefit' and its pursuit of peace and harmony. He acknowledged China's historical support for global liberation movements, even during its own early stages of development, and expressed admiration for Beijing's ongoing opposition to oppression, imperialism, colonialism, and apartheid. In official remarks released by the Presidential Secretariat, Prabowo reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding and advancing progress in bilateral relations. He called for broader cooperation beyond trade to include education, healthcare, tourism, and scientific research. 'Our relationship should not be confined to economic matters alone. We must deepen our friendship and collaborate across all sectors,' he stressed. Trade between the two nations now exceeds US$130 billion annually, with China playing a central role in supporting Indonesia's industrial and technological development, he said. — Bernama
Jordan Times
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Jordan Times
King receives UK national security adviser
His Majesty King Abdullah receives on Wednesday the United Kingdom's National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell at Al Husseiniya Palace on Wednesday (Photo courtesy of Royal Court) AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah received the United Kingdom's National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell at Al Husseiniya Palace on Wednesday. During the meeting, attended by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, His Majesty emphasised the deep-rooted ties between Jordan and the UK, as well as readiness to enhance cooperation across various sectors, including defence, according to a Royal Court statement. The King expressed Jordan's appreciation for the UK's role in promoting stability in the region, noting the importance of maintaining coordination between the two countries on issues of mutual concern. The meeting covered regional developments, with His Majesty stressing the need for the international community to step up efforts to immediately reinstate the ceasefire in Gaza, resume the flow of humanitarian aid, and support efforts to rebuild the Strip without displacing its residents The meeting also touched on the current events in region in general, particularly in the West Bank and Syria. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh, Jordan's Ambassador to the UK Manar Dabbas, General Intelligence Department Director Maj. Gen. Ahmad Husni, British Ambassador to Jordan Philip Hall, and the accompanying British delegation attended the meeting.
Zawya
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi meets Saudi Crown Prince on sidelines of Gulf–US Summit in Riyadh
H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has met, today, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on the sidelines of the Gulf–US Summit held in Riyadh. The meeting focused on the longstanding bonds between the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and explored ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across various fields, supporting the mutual interests of both nations and their people. The Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Saudi Crown Prince also exchanged views on several regional and international affairs and underscored the importance of consolidating Gulf efforts to address challenges to enhance regional stability and support continued development and prosperity.
