Politics
Al-Badawi: Joint Gulf military action enjoys the patronage of the leaders
Jassim Al-Badawi affirmed that joint Gulf military action enjoys the patronage of the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, stressing the importance of defense integration and the history of the Peninsula Shield Force in enhancing the security of the region.
His Excellency Mr. Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, Secretary General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, affirmed that the joint Gulf military action enjoys the utmost attention and continuous support from Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC states, may God protect and preserve them. This attention stems from their deep belief that Gulf security is indivisible, and that defense cooperation is the impregnable fortress for protecting the gains of the Gulf peoples and ensuring the stability of the region.
Pillars of joint military action
Al-Badawi explained that the wise directives of the GCC leaders consistently aim to strengthen the Gulf defense system and enhance the combat efficiency and readiness of the armed forces of the GCC member states. This is reflected in the unlimited support for joint military projects and unified exercises that contribute to the exchange of expertise and the standardization of military concepts, thereby strengthening the GCC countries' ability to effectively and competently confront various security challenges.
Historical background: A career full of achievements
Talk of joint Gulf military action is not a recent development, but rather the culmination of decades of planning and diligent work since the establishment of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in 1981. The first and pivotal step was the formation of the Peninsula Shield Force in the early 1980s, which represented the initial nucleus of unified military action. This was followed by the signing of the Joint Defense Agreement in 2000 during the GCC summit in Manama, which explicitly stipulated that any attack on any member state would be considered an attack on all, marking a qualitative leap in mutual defense commitment.
Evolution towards unified military command
Continuing this trajectory, the establishment of the GCC's Unified Military Command, headquartered in Riyadh, represents a practical implementation of the leaders' vision to institutionalize military action. This command coordinates defense efforts and manages joint operations, reflecting the evolution of the Gulf states' strategic military thinking and its transition from cooperation and coordination to actual integration in command and control.
Strategic importance in light of current challenges
Joint Gulf military action has gained added importance in light of the current complex and unstable regional and international circumstances. A strong and unified Gulf defense system not only contributes to protecting the sovereignty of member states but is also a fundamental factor in maintaining regional and international peace and security. This integration sends a clear message to the world that the Gulf states possess the capability and the will to protect their vital interests, secure global energy routes, and contribute effectively to combating terrorism and transnational threats.
Al-Badawi concluded his remarks by emphasizing that the General Secretariat of the Cooperation Council will continue its tireless efforts to follow up on the implementation of the leaders’ decisions related to military action, to ensure that the Gulf system remains an oasis of security, stability and prosperity.
Politics
Saudi Arabia condemns Iranian attacks and affirms its right to respond and protect its territory
The Kingdom strongly condemns the Iranian attacks on Riyadh and the Eastern Province. An official statement affirms its commitment to confronting the attacks and reserving the right to respond in order to protect the Kingdom's security and the stability of the region.
In a strongly worded official statement, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expressed its categorical rejection and condemnation in the strongest terms of the blatant Iranian attacks targeting civilian sites in the capital, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province. The relevant authorities confirmed the success of the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces in intercepting and thwarting these cowardly attacks before they could achieve their objectives, reflecting the high level of readiness of the Kingdom's defense system in protecting its airspace and territory.
A blatant violation of sovereignty and international conventions
The official statement clarified that these attacks cannot be justified under any pretext and constitute a flagrant violation of international laws and norms that criminalize targeting civilian and populated areas. This dangerous escalation comes despite the Kingdom's previously measured stance, in which Saudi authorities clearly affirmed to the Iranian side that they would not permit the use of their airspace or territory as a platform for any military operations targeting Iran, as part of the Kingdom's efforts to keep the region away from further conflict.
The importance of the Eastern region and regional security
Targeting the Eastern Province takes on a dangerous dimension that transcends the geographical boundaries of the event, given the region's global economic and strategic importance as the world's main energy artery. Any threat to this region is not only a threat to the Kingdom's security, but also a direct threat to global energy supplies and international economic stability. Analysts point out that such hostile acts undermine efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region and fuel further inflame tensions at a time when the Middle East needs wisdom and dialogue.
The right of reply and the protection of national security
In light of this unjustified aggression, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stressed that it will not hesitate to take all necessary and deterrent measures to defend its national security, protect its resources, and ensure the safety of its citizens and residents. The statement included firm language affirming the Kingdom's full right to respond to this aggression in the manner and at the time it deems appropriate, thus placing the international community before its responsibilities to condemn this reckless behavior that threatens regional and international peace and security.
Politics
Crown Prince: The Kingdom's capabilities are being harnessed to support our brothers against Iran
The Crown Prince made contact with the leaders of the Gulf states and Jordan, stressing Saudi Arabia's full solidarity and its readiness to put all its capabilities at the disposal of its brothers in the face of the recent Iranian attacks.

In a firm stance that embodies the depth of fraternal ties and the unity of common destiny, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister - may God protect him - conducted a series of intensive telephone calls today with the leaders of brotherly countries, including His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of the State of Kuwait, and His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
During these calls, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince expressed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's strong condemnation and denunciation of the brutal Iranian attacks targeting the security and stability of these brotherly nations. He unequivocally affirmed the Kingdom's unwavering support for its brothers, emphasizing that the Kingdom is placing all its resources and capabilities at their disposal to support them in all measures they take to defend their security and sovereignty, considering any threat to the security of the Gulf states and Jordan a direct threat to the security of the Kingdom.
Strategic dimensions and unity of destiny
This decisive move by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince reaffirms the long-standing principles of Saudi policy, which views the security of the Gulf region and the Arab world as a whole as indivisible. By virtue of its leading position and its political and economic weight, the Kingdom has always been a steadfast shield and primary support for its brothers in confronting regional challenges. This swift action reflects a profound sense of responsibility towards protecting Arab national security from any external threats that seek to destabilize this vital region of the world.
A history of solidarity in the face of challenges
Historically, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has never hesitated to support Arab causes and stand against expansionist ambitions that threaten the region. These communications constitute a highly significant political message to the international and regional community, indicating that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan stand united as a solid bloc against any aggression. The high level of coordination among the leaders strengthens the joint defense system and sends a strong deterrent signal to any party that attempts to test the patience of the allies or tamper with the resources of the region's peoples.
Regional and international importance
This event is doubly important given the geopolitical location of the targeted countries. The Gulf region is the world's energy lifeline, and its stability is a cornerstone of the global economy. Therefore, Saudi Arabia's unwavering support is not only aimed at protecting the national borders of its sister nations, but also serves the interests of international peace and security, thwarting attempts to spread chaos that could disrupt international shipping lanes and global energy supplies.
Politics
40 killed in Israeli bombing of a school in Minab, southern Iran
Forty female students were killed in an Israeli bombing that targeted the Al-Shajara Al-Tayyiba school in Minab, southern Iran, as part of the American-Israeli attack, amid ongoing rescue operations to recover the victims.
In a dangerous and tragic military escalation, dozens of children were killed and others seriously injured on Saturday in a series of violent Israeli airstrikes targeting a primary school in southern Iran. This deadly attack comes within the context of the open war and military operations declared by the United States and Israel, threatening to worsen the humanitarian and security situation in the region.
Details of the attack on Al-Shajara Al-Tayyiba School
Iranian state media reported that the bombing directly targeted the "Good Tree" primary school for girls in the city of Minab. The horrific attack killed approximately 40 students, an initial toll expected to rise due to the intensity of the bombing and the large number of victims still trapped under the rubble. Field reports indicated that the school housed around 170 students at the time of the airstrikes, turning the area into a scene of devastation and panic.
Civil defense and ambulance teams rushed to the scene of the accident, where they have so far managed to recover the bodies of 10 children, while search and rescue operations are still continuing at full speed amidst the rubble of the destroyed building, in an attempt to save as many innocent lives as possible.
Geographical and strategic context of the city of Minab
The city of Minab is located in Hormozgan province in southern Iran, a vital area near the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Targeting this region indicates an expansion of the conflict into the Iranian interior and sensitive southern areas. Historically, these areas have been relatively spared direct attacks on civilian educational facilities, making this incident a dangerous turning point in the existing rules of military engagement.
Background to the conflict and escalating tensions
This attack coincides with the start of the joint US-Israeli offensive against Iran, a development reflecting the peak of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East in recent years. While the two sides have long exchanged threats and indirect strikes, the escalation to open warfare and the targeting of civilian infrastructure and facilities has placed the entire region on the brink of a conflagration, amid international fears of a slide into a full-blown regional war.
Humanitarian and legal implications
The targeting of schools and educational facilities has sparked outrage and condemnation, as these acts constitute a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, which clearly stipulate the protection of civilians, especially children, and the neutrality of educational institutions in military operations. This incident is expected to cast a dark shadow on the international scene, with growing calls to end the targeting of civilians and to spare children the horrors of armed conflict, for which they always pay the heaviest price.
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