Politics

The Crown Prince and the US President co-chair the Saudi-US summit and sign the strategic economic partnership document between the two countries' governments

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prime Minister, and President of the United States of America, presided over the meeting

Published

10 months ago

May 13, 2025

Saudi Arabia News - saudinews50

Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and US President Donald J. Trump chaired the Saudi-US summit at the Royal Court in Al-Yamamah Palace today.

During the summit, bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America were reviewed, as well as coordination efforts to enhance aspects of the strategic partnership between the two friendly countries in various fields. Regional and international developments and issues of common interest and the efforts made towards them were also discussed, in order to achieve security and stability.

Following that, the Crown Prince and the US President proceeded to the hall prepared for the signing and exchange of bilateral agreements, memoranda of cooperation and understanding.

The Crown Prince and the US President signed the Strategic Economic Partnership Document between the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Government of the United States of America.

The Crown Prince and the US President also witnessed the exchange and announcement of a number of bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding, which are as follows:

The first: A memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Energy in the Kingdom and the Department of Energy in the United States of America for cooperation in the field of energy, received on the Saudi side by the Minister of Energy, His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, and on the American side by the Secretary of Energy, Mr. Chris Wright.

The second: A memorandum of intent between the Ministry of Defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Department of Defense of the United States of America regarding the modernization and development of the capabilities of the Saudi armed forces through future defense capabilities, received on the Saudi side by the Minister of Defense, His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, and on the American side by the Secretary of Defense, Mr. Pete Hegseth.

A number of agreements and memoranda of understanding were then announced, namely:

- A memorandum of cooperation in the field of mining and mineral resources between the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Department of Energy in the United States of America.

Signing a letter of intent to complete the work and enhance joint cooperation, and to develop requirements related to ammunition, training, support services, maintenance, systems modernization, spare parts, and education for the land and air systems of the Ministry of the National Guard.

- Memorandum of Understanding between the International Partnerships Programs of the Ministry of Interior and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of the U.S. Department of Justice.

- A memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Department of Defense of the United States of America regarding the development of health capabilities for the Saudi Armed Forces.

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– Memorandum of Understanding for Judicial Cooperation between the Ministry of Justice of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Justice of the United States of America.

- An executive agreement between the Saudi Space Agency in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the United States of America to cooperate on the CubeSat project for monitoring space weather within the Artemis 2 mission.

Agreement between the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Government of the United States of America on mutual assistance between the Customs Administrations of the two countries.

Protocol amending the Air Transport Agreement between the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Government of the United States of America.

- A memorandum of understanding for cooperation between the National Institute for Health Research in the Kingdom and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in the United States of America in the field of medical research related to infectious diseases.

- A cooperation agreement between the Royal Commission for Al-Ula Governorate and the Smithsonian Institution through the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

– A cooperation agreement between the Royal Commission for Al-Ula Governorate and the Smithsonian Institution through the National Museum of Asian Art.

Following that, His Excellency left the Royal Court, where he was seen off by the Crown Prince.

The Saudi-American summit was attended by Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of State and Member of the Council of Ministers Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Sports Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, Minister of the National Guard Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the United States of America Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of State and Member of the Council of Ministers and National Security Advisor Dr. Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi, Minister of Finance Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan, Minister of Investment Engineer Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, Minister of Communications and Information Technology Engineer Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha, and His Excellency the Governor of the Public Investment Fund Yasser bin Othman Al-Rumayyan, the accompanying minister.

Also present from the American side were Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bisent, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, White House Chief of Staff Suzy Willis, Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, White House Deputy Chief of Staff James Blair, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budwitch, Chargé d'Affaires at the Embassy in Riyadh Alison Dilworth, Chairman of the President's Council on Science and Technology David Sachs, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Michael Kratsios, and National Security Council Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Eric Trager.

The signing and exchange of agreements were attended by Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of State and Member of the Council of Ministers Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Sports Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, Minister of the National Guard Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the United States of America Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Justice Dr. Walid bin Mohammed Al-Samaani, Minister of State and Member of the Council of Ministers and National Security Advisor Dr. Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi, Minister of Finance Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan, Minister of Investment Eng. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, Minister of Communications and Information Technology Eng. Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha, Minister of Health Fahd bin Abdulrahman Al-Jalajel, Governor of the Public Investment Fund Yasser bin Othman Al-Rumayyan (the accompanying minister), and President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation Mr. Abdulaziz Bin Abdullah Al-Duailij, Governor of the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, Engineer Suhail bin Mohammed Abanmi, and CEO of the Royal Commission for Al-Ula Governorate, Professor Abeer bint Mohammed Al-Aql.

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.

Published

32 minutes ago

February 28, 2026

Saudi Arabia News - saudinews50

40 killed in Israeli bombing of a school in Minab, southern Iran

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.

Politics

Jordan shoots down two missiles and affirms its neutrality in the regional conflict

The Jordanian army announces the downing of two ballistic missiles amid regional escalation, and the government confirms that the Kingdom is not a party to the conflict and will not allow its sovereignty and airspace to be violated.

Published

1 hour ago

February 28, 2026

Saudi Arabia News - saudinews50

Jordan shoots down two missiles and affirms its neutrality in the regional conflict

In a notable development on the ground that reflects the sensitivity of the security situation in the Middle East, the Jordanian army announced today (Saturday) that it had intercepted two ballistic missiles targeting the Kingdom's territory, as the air defenses were able to successfully shoot them down, coinciding with the recent exchange of attacks and military escalation between the United States and Israel on one side, and Iran on the other.

Details of the objection and the situation on the ground

The Jordanian Armed Forces confirmed in an official statement that Royal Jordanian Air Force aircraft are conducting intensive and routine sorties to ensure the safety of Jordanian airspace and to verify that it is free from any threats or violations that could compromise the Kingdom's security. This measure is part of a comprehensive defense strategy aimed at preventing the use of Jordanian airspace as a corridor for missiles or drones by any party whatsoever.

In a related development, the Jordanian Public Security Directorate reported receiving 12 official complaints from citizens in various governorates regarding the fall of unidentified objects and shrapnel, which were remnants of intercepted missiles. The Directorate urged citizens to exercise caution, strictly adhere to security guidelines, avoid approaching any suspicious objects, and immediately report any unusual sightings via the unified emergency number.

Firm political messages: Jordan is not a party to the conflict

On the political front, Jordanian government spokesperson Mohammad al-Momani issued decisive statements clarifying Amman's position on the ongoing conflict. Al-Momani emphasized that the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan "will not be a party to any regional escalation," affirming his country's categorical rejection of its territory or airspace being used as a battleground for settling military scores between the warring parties.

Al-Momani explained that the state’s top priority is protecting national sovereignty and preserving the security and stability of citizens, noting that the armed forces and security services are performing their constitutional and national duty to the fullest extent to deal with various crises and emerging challenges.

The regional context and the importance of the Jordanian position

These developments are particularly significant given Jordan's geostrategic location at the heart of a volatile region. Jordan has historically strived to maintain its strategic balance and shield its people from the ravages of surrounding wars. The interception of the ballistic missiles underscores the readiness of Jordan's defense system to address cross-border threats at a time of heightened tension and anticipation in the region.

Observers believe that Jordan’s emphasis on not being involved in the conflict aims to strengthen the home front and send a diplomatic message to the international community about the need to work on containing the escalation instead of expanding the scope of the war, as Jordan’s stability is considered a fundamental pillar of regional security in the Middle East.

Politics

Saudi Arabia condemns Iranian aggression against 5 Arab countries

An urgent statement from the Saudi Foreign Ministry condemns the Iranian aggression against the sovereignty of the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan, and calls on the international community to take firm measures to deter violations.

Published

3 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Saudi Arabia News - saudinews50

Saudi Arabia condemns Iranian aggression against 5 Arab countries

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strongly worded official statement condemning in the strongest terms the Iranian aggression targeting the sovereignty of five brotherly Arab states: the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The Kingdom affirmed in its statement its full support and solidarity with these countries in confronting threats to their security and stability.

Broad Gulf and Arab solidarity

The Kingdom announced its readiness to dedicate all its resources and capabilities to supporting the five sister nations in all measures they take to protect their territories and citizens, emphasizing that the security of these countries is an integral part of the security of the Kingdom and the entire region. This firm Saudi stance reflects the depth of the fraternal ties and shared destiny that unite the Gulf Cooperation Council states and Jordan, and underscores Riyadh's leading role in defending Arab causes and confronting external ambitions aimed at destabilizing the region.

Warning of the consequences of continued violations

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned of the grave consequences that could result from the continuation of these blatant Iranian violations, which constitute a clear breach of the principles of international law and the UN Charter, which stipulates respect for the sovereignty of states, good neighborliness, and non-interference in internal affairs. The Kingdom indicated that tolerating such aggression encourages further chaos and threatens international trade routes and global energy supplies, making it a matter of international peace and security, not merely a regional issue.

Calling on the international community to assume its responsibilities

In closing, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia called upon the international community, and the UN Security Council in particular, to break its silence and unequivocally condemn these attacks, and to take decisive and effective measures to deter the Iranian regime and halt its ongoing violations that undermine the security and stability of the Middle East region. Riyadh emphasized that diplomacy and dialogue are the best options, but this requires all parties to adhere to international law, something that is lacking in Iran’s current practices, which are based on escalation and aggression.

Observers note that this statement represents an important turning point in unifying the Arab ranks in the face of regional challenges, and puts the international community to a real test of its seriousness in applying international law and protecting sovereign states from external aggression.