The Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, in its meeting held yesterday, Friday, in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, renewed its deep appreciation for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, appreciating the sincere and continuous fraternal stances that the Kingdom shows towards the Yemeni people and its legitimate government.

The Council affirmed that Saudi support extends beyond the political and military spheres to include strengthening security and stability and preserving the cohesion of Yemeni state institutions, which have faced existential challenges since the outbreak of the crisis. The Council commended the Kingdom's sincere efforts to support Yemen in the humanitarian and development fields through generous aid, which has had a profound impact on alleviating the suffering of citizens across various governorates.

Historical context and pivotal role

This stance embodies the historical and strategic relations that bind the two brotherly countries, as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia led the Arab coalition to support legitimacy in Yemen, and played a decisive role in sponsoring political dialogues, starting with the Gulf Initiative and reaching the Riyadh Agreement and the Riyadh consultations that resulted in the formation of the Presidential Leadership Council in April 2022. The Kingdom is considered the primary economic supporter of Yemen through financial deposits provided to the Central Bank of Yemen to support the local currency, in addition to granting oil derivatives to operate power plants.

Comprehensive development and vital projects

On the development front, the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen stands out as a key pillar upon which the Yemeni government relies to rehabilitate infrastructure. The program has implemented hundreds of projects in the health, education, water, and transportation sectors, contributing to the normalization of living conditions in the liberated governorates. Furthermore, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center continues to provide urgent relief assistance to those affected and displaced throughout all regions of Yemen without exception.

Latest developments in Aden and the liberated governorates

During the meeting, the Presidential Leadership Council discussed the latest local developments at all levels, highlighting the progress made in the recovery and normalization process in the interim capital, Aden, and the liberated governorates. The Council reviewed the efforts of local authorities and security and military forces in establishing security and enforcing the rule of law, emphasizing the importance of continued joint coordination to address current economic and security challenges, thereby ensuring the realization of the Yemeni people's aspirations for a comprehensive and sustainable peace.

The United States announced today (Friday) a new package of economic sanctions aimed at tightening the noose on Iranian oil exports, including targeting 14 ships involved in transporting oil, in a notable development that comes just moments after the conclusion of a round of indirect talks between the two sides in the Sultanate of Oman.

In detailing the decision, State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott confirmed that President Donald Trump is firmly committed to reducing the Iranian regime's exports of oil and petrochemicals, which Washington classifies as "illicit." The spokesman explained that these measures are an integral part of the current administration's "maximum pressure" campaign to compel Tehran to change its political and military behavior in the region.

Precise political timing and firm messages

The timing of the announcement of these sanctions carries profound political implications, particularly as it came immediately after the conclusion of a round of talks in Muscat. Observers suggest that the decision's immediate release following the talks may reflect Washington's dissatisfaction with the outcome of the indirect dialogue, or that it represents a negotiating tactic aimed at strengthening the US position at the negotiating table. While Oman has historically played the role of a trusted mediator between the West and Iran, this escalation of sanctions sends a clear message that diplomacy does not guarantee the easing of economic restrictions unless a comprehensive agreement is reached.

Maximum pressure strategy and its repercussions

The US strategy known as "maximum pressure" relies on depriving the Iranian regime of its primary source of revenue, specifically oil revenues, which are the lifeblood of the Iranian economy. By targeting the oil tanker fleet (14 ships in this campaign), Washington seeks to cut off the alternative routes Tehran uses to sell its oil on the black market or through international intermediaries.

Economic and geopolitical dimensions

These sanctions are expected to have a tangible impact on Iran's ability to finance its domestic projects and its regional influence. The tightening of restrictions on maritime shipping drives up insurance and shipping costs, making other countries and companies hesitant to deal with Iranian shipments for fear of secondary sanctions. Internationally, energy markets are closely monitoring these developments, as any escalation in the Gulf could affect the stability of energy supplies, even though the stated US objective is to replace Iranian oil with supplies from other sources to maintain market balance.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expressed the Kingdom’s strong condemnation and denunciation of the treacherous terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, which resulted in a number of deaths and injuries in a tragic scene that contradicts all religious and human values.

In its official statement, the Ministry stressed the Kingdom’s firm and categorical stance against targeting places of worship, terrorizing innocent people, and shedding the blood of innocent victims, affirming that such criminal acts have no relation to religion and seek to undermine security and stability.

Saudi Arabia's unwavering solidarity with Pakistan

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, both its leadership and people, stands with the brotherly Islamic Republic of Pakistan in facing these difficult circumstances, affirming its full support for Islamabad against all forms of violence, extremism, and terrorism, regardless of their motives or justifications. This stance stems from the deep-rooted historical and strategic relations that bind the two brotherly countries, as the Kingdom has consistently been at the forefront of countries supporting Pakistan in confronting security and economic challenges.

International condemnation of targeting places of worship

Targeting mosques and places of worship is a dangerous escalation in terrorist operations, something the Kingdom has consistently warned against and combated through international forums. In this statement, the Kingdom affirms that the sanctity of mosques and the lives of worshippers are a red line, and that terrorism, which has no religion, is desperately attempting to undermine the social fabric and sow discord. However, the awareness of the people and the solidarity of nations will thwart these dark schemes.

Prayers for healing and comfort

In closing, the Kingdom offered its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and people of Pakistan, praying to God Almighty to grant His mercy to the deceased and a speedy recovery to the injured. This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for the international community to unite in eradicating the sources of terrorism and combating extremist ideology that threatens international peace and security.