Saudi Arabia warns repeated Iranian attacks signal dangerous escalation

JEDDAH — The Council of Ministers reiterated Saudi Arabia’s categorical rejection of repeated Iranian attacks on commercial vessels and tankers. The Cabinet session, chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman in Jeddah on Tuesday, viewed these attacks as a dangerous escalation and a direct threat to the safety and security of maritime navigation. In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency following the session, Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary said the Cabinet affirmed that these attacks constitute a grave violation of international laws and norms and a blatant defiance of the Security Council resolution obligating respect for commercial vessels' freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and condemning any threats or actions obstructing it. The Cabinet reviewed Saudi Arabia’s recent discussions and consultations with friendly nations to enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation across various fields, achieve mutual interests, and support regional and international security and stability. The Cabinet welcomed the institutional and operational activation of the Saudi-led Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance following the completion of its organizational and planning frameworks. This marks a new phase of joint action to achieve full operational readiness and fulfill its mission to enhance collective maritime security, protect freedom of navigation across maritime straits and waterways, and support the continuity of international trade and global supply chains. On bilateral relations, the Cabinet deemed establishing the Saudi-Sudanese Coordination Council an extension of both nations' commitment to institutionalized joint coordination, advancing cooperation and integration through tangible outputs, initiatives, projects, and objectives to achieve desired aspirations. The Cabinet commended the Kingdom's successful presidency of the 16th session of the UNCCD Conference of the Parties (COP16), which launched international partnerships and initiatives to combat land degradation, desertification, and drought, enhance water and food security, support climate adaptation, and advance innovative solutions for environmental protection and sustainable development. On World Humanitarian Day, observed on August 19, the Cabinet expressed pride in Saudi Arabia's pioneering humanitarian role and its prominent standing among the world's leading donor nations. This reflects the Kingdom's long history of generosity, proactive initiative, and providing aid, assistance, and disaster relief to countries and communities in need globally. Domestically, as the new academic year approaches, the Cabinet reviewed the education sector's achievements, notably in improving organizational and operational efficiency, advancing educational institutions, expanding students' scientific expertise, upgrading teachers' capabilities, and providing exemplary learning environments with leading curricula and specialized programs that foster innovation and creativity—all contributing to human capital development and Saudi Vision 2030 goals. The Cabinet also commended the Public Investment Fund's (PIF) financial performance and continued progress toward its targets, evidenced by revenue and net profit growth in 2025. This reflects PIF's ongoing drive to spur economic diversification in the Kingdom, expand domestic and international investments, and bolster key strategic sectors, including artificial intelligence, technology, energy, infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing. The Cabinet praised government agencies' tangible progress in the 2026 Digital Experience Maturity Index, reflecting ongoing commitment to developing operations, innovating flexible and effective technological solutions, and delivering top-tier procedures and services to citizens, residents, and visitors, in line with the Kingdom's leadership and competitiveness in international rankings and indicators. The Cabinet authorized the chairman of the board of directors of the Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission or his deputy to discuss and sign a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Malaysia on cooperation in safety, security, and safeguards for peaceful nuclear technology applications. It approved a MoU between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait on cooperation in public-private partnerships. The Cabinet authorized the minister of commerce or his deputy to discuss and sign a draft MoU on cooperation in consumer protection with the Tunisian Ministry of Trade and Export Development, and authorized the president of the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority or his deputy to sign a draft model agreement for the exchange of information among members of the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (GlobE Network). The Council approved a memorandum of cooperation between the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority and the New Zealand Customs Service on mutual administrative assistance in customs matters. The Cabinet also approved the organization of the National Center for Curricula.