China lauds progress in Iran-Saudi ties

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has expressed strong support for the constructive interactions between Saudi Arabia and Iran, emphasizing their role in fostering enduring good neighborly relations.

During a press briefing, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian noted that Saudi-Iran relations have been on a positive trajectory and China appreciates this progress. 

Lin Jian stated that Saudi Arabia and Iran have been engaging in positive interactions at various levels, further solidifying their reconciliation and playing a crucial role in fostering regional peace and stability. 

China remains committed to supporting both nations as they advance together, enhancing mutual trust, and achieving enduring good-neighborly relations and friendship, the spokesman said. 

The remarks come after several high-ranking visits between Iran and Saudi Arabia took place in the past month. 

Iran and Saudi Arabia restored diplomatic ties in March of 2023 under a China-brokered deal. The two West Asian countries have agreed to move towards establishing a security cooperation pact.

 

Saudi Arabia convenes Arab Islamic Summit

Saudi Arabia has announced to hold a joint Arab-Islamic follow-up summit in the Kingdom on November 11, 2024 to discuss the continued Israeli aggression on the Palestinian territories and Lebanon, in addition to the current developments in the region.

This is in line with the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and in continuation of the efforts made by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) in coordination with leaders of other Arab and Islamic countries. The summit will be held as an extension of the joint Arab-Islamic summit held in Riyadh on November 11, 2023.

Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its condemnation and denunciation of the crimes and violations that are being perpetrated by the Israeli occupation authorities against the Palestinian people, apart from the continuing Israeli attacks and violations against the people of Lebanon.

This is in light of the Kingdom's follow-up of the current developments in the region, as well as the continued sinful Israeli aggression on the occupied Palestinian territories, and its expansion to include the Lebanese Republic in an attempt to undermine its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the serious repercussions of this aggression on the security and stability of the region, the Saudi Press Agency said in a statement.

Saudi Arabia-Iran joint naval exercise

According to the Tehran Times, the head of the Iranian Army Navy has announced that Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in a joint naval exercise, a move aimed at strengthening regional cooperation.

Rear Admiral Shahram Irani highlighted the Iranian Navy's operations in the Red Sea, noting that Saudi Arabia has proposed a combined exercise in that region. Both nations have extended invitations to each other concerning their presence in the ports.

Irani added that both sides' initiatives include plans for a bilateral exercise and potential involvement from other nations. 

“Coordination efforts are currently in progress, and delegations from both countries will engage in necessary discussions regarding the execution of the exercise,” the commander emphasized.

This collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Iran could potentially pave the way for further dialogue and de-escalation of tensions in the region, benefiting both countries and the broader international community.

Military observers from both parties will be attentively assessing the results of this exercise and the possible effects it could have on the geopolitical dynamics of West Asia.

This proposed joint naval exercise in the Red Sea would mark the third instance of military cooperation between Iran and Saudi Arabia in the region.

In 2018, the two nations, alongside Oman and Pakistan, participated in a joint naval exercise in the Indian Ocean under the banner of the "Coalition of Friendship”.

This week, Iran concluded a joint naval drill in its southern waters, with Saudi Arabia among the participating nations.
 

 

Gaza War Dooms Biden’s Plan

According to David B. Ottaway, a year after the onset of the Israel-Hamas War, the Biden Administration’s plan for a new Middle East security architecture anchored in an alliance between the United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia is dead for the foreseeable future.

Its death is another victim of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s refusal to allow an independent Palestinian state as a basis for a solution to the conflict that most countries, including the United States, are demanding.

Before the war started, US diplomats were making progress in nudging Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) toward establishing ties with the Jewish state. Both the crown prince and Biden were talking optimistically about Saudi recognition of, and open cooperation with, the Jewish state.

Two of Saudi Arabia’s closest allies, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain had already taken that step in the 2020 Abraham Accords.

Biden was enticing MBS with a formal US-Saudi defense treaty to protect the kingdom from its chief enemy, Iran. The Palestinian cause was fading, in the minds of Arab leaders, and Israel was on the verge of fulfilling its dream of winning recognition from the Middle East’s Arab powerhouse. 

The Gaza War halted all this momentum in its tracks, and there is no ceasefire in sight. The Israeli military has occupied all of Gaza and, in the process, killed nearly 42,000 Palestinian civilians and Hamas fighters, displaced most of its 2.2 million Palestinian population from their homes, and inflicted massive damage on its infrastructure.

This has caused even Arab leaders with no love for Hamas because of its Islamic roots, refusal to recognize the Jewish state, and ties to Iran to harden calls for the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Nowhere is this shift in the attitude of Arab leaders better on display than in Saudi Arabia. In an interview with Fox News on September 20, just 17 days before the Hamas attack, MBS went out of his way to deny reports that US-led negotiations over Saudi normalization of relations with Israel were in trouble.

To the contrary, he said, “every day we get closer” toward what he called “the biggest historical deal since the end of the Cold War.” He made no demand for a Palestinian state as a precondition, just that Israel “ease the life of the Palestinians.”

On September 19, 2024 he delivered quite a starkly different message at the annual opening of his kingdom’s consultative Shoura Council.

The Palestinian cause was “at the forefront” of Saudi attention, and he was working tirelessly to see the establishment of a Palestinian state.

He warned, “We affirm that the kingdom will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel without that.” He thanked the 143 countries that had already recognized a Palestinian state and urged others to follow suit.

If Saudi Arabia hews to this precondition, then the new Middle East the Biden administration has worked tirelessly to birth seems doomed, at least without a radical change in Israeli thinking and government.

Saudi Arabia slams Israeli statements regarding Philadelphi Corridor

Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the recent Israeli statements with regard to the Philadelphi Corridor, a narrow band along Gaza’s border with Egypt.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom’s strong condemnation and denunciation of the Israeli statements regarding the Philadelphi Corridor, and the futile attempts to justify the continued Israeli violations of international laws and norms. In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, the ministry vowed its solidarity and support for Egypt in the face of these Israeli allegations.

Saudi Arabia warned of the consequences of these provocative statements, and their repercussions in undermining the mediation efforts being undertaken by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States of America, to reach a permanent ceasefire.

The ministry stated that such provocative statements would increase the severity of the dangerous escalation witnessed by the region. It also emphasized the importance of putting an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people, and the necessity of concerted international efforts to enable them to exercise their inherent right to self-determination, and establish their independent state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The ministry statement comes in the wake of the recent statement of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the Philadelphi Corridor will be under the control of Israel in any ceasefire deal.

Saudi Arabia condemns storming Al-Aqsa

According to Saudi Gazette, the Kingdom has condemned in the strongest terms the blatant and repeated incursions by Israeli occupation forces and a number of settlers into Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem on Tuesday.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs renewed the Kingdom’s warning of the consequences of the continuation of such violations of international law and the historical status of the city of Jerusalem.

The Israeli acts also provoke the sentiments of millions of Muslims around the world, especially in light of the humanitarian catastrophe witnessed by the people of Palestine, the statement pointed out.

While emphasizing the importance of respecting religious sanctity, the ministry called on the international community to assume its responsibility towards stopping the ongoing Israeli violations of international law and relevant international legitimacy resolutions.

According to reports, more than 2,000 illegal Israeli settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex on Tuesday morning, under the heavy protection of Israeli troops, to perform a religious event. The act provoked tensions with Palestinian Muslims present at the holy site, the Jordan-run Islamic Endowments Department said in a statement.

Approximately 2,250 Israeli settlers toured the complex and conducted Talmudic religious rituals. It was also reported that Israeli settlers were seen waving Israeli flags while storming the complex of the mosque.

The settlers’ entry into the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex came in response to a call from extremist Jewish groups to commemorate Tisha B’Av, an annual Jewish fast day that marks the occurrence of several disasters in Jewish history, official Palestinian news agency Wafa reported.

The settlers entered the mosque through the western Al-Mugharbah Gate, a route frequently used during such incursions, it added.

Saudi Arabia must resist buying US arms

To create the justification for the sale of lethal arms to Israel, the United States has also decided to lift ban on sale of arms to Saudi Arabia. We are of the opinion that Saudi Arabia must resist wasting its money on buying weapons.

The new US mantra is that the Kingdom need weapons amid turmoil in the Middle East following Hamas' deadly attack on Israel and fears of war in the Middle East.

According to the United States, the decision comes as the threat level in the region has been heightened since late last month, with Iran and Lebanon's powerful Iran-backed Hezbollah group vowing to retaliate against Israel after Hamas' political chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran.

One may recall that in the past United States had sold weapons worth billions of dollars, using its mantra, “Iran is a bigger threat for Saudi Arabia as compared to Israel”.

Our perspective is that the Middle East in general and Saudi Arabia in particular does not fear any attack on its soil from any country except United States and its proxy Israel.

Reportedly, the Biden administration has decided to lift a ban on sale of US offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia, reversing a three-year-old policy to pressure the kingdom to wind down the Yemen war. Reuters was first to report the decision earlier.

The State Department was lifting its suspension on certain transfers of air-to-ground munitions to Saudi Arabia, a senior department official confirmed.

"We will consider new transfers on a typical case-by-case basis consistent with the Conventional Arms Transfer Policy," the official said.

The administration briefed Congress this week on its decision to lift the ban, a congressional aide said. One source said sales could resume as early as next week. The US government was moving ahead on Friday afternoon with notifications about a sale, a person briefed on the matter said.

"The Saudis have met their end of the deal, and we are prepared to meet ours," a senior Biden administration official said.

Under US law, major international weapons deals must be reviewed by members of Congress before they are made final. Democratic and Republican lawmakers have questioned the provision of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia in recent years, citing issues including the toll on civilians of its campaign in Yemen and a range of human rights concerns.

But that opposition has softened amid turmoil in the Middle East following Hamas' deadly October 07, 2023 attack on Israel and because of changes in the conduct of the campaign in Yemen.

Since March 2022 - when the Saudis and Houthis entered into an UN-led truce - there have not been any Saudi airstrikes in Yemen and cross-border fire from Yemen into the kingdom has largely stopped, the administration official said.

"We also note the positive steps that the Saudi Ministry of Defense have taken over the past three years to substantially improve their civilian harm mitigation processes, in part thanks to the work of US trainers and advisors," the State Department official said

Yemen's war is seen as one of several proxy battles between Iran and Saudi Arabia. The Houthis ousted a Saudi-backed government from Sanaa in late 2014 and have been at war against a Saudi-led military alliance since 2015, a conflict that has killed hundreds of thousands of people and left 80% of Yemen's population dependent on humanitarian aid.

Biden adopted the tougher stance on weapons sales to Saudi Arabia in 2021, citing the kingdom's campaign against the Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen, which has inflicted heavy civilian casualties.

Ties between the kingdom and the United States have warmed since then, as Washington has worked more closely with Riyadh in the aftermath of Hamas' October 07 attack to devise a plan for post-war Gaza.

The Biden administration also has been negotiating a defense pact and an agreement for civil nuclear cooperation with Riyadh as part of a broad deal that envisions Saudi Arabia normalizing ties with Israel, although that remains an elusive goal.

The Houthis have emerged as a strong supporter of the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas in its war against Israel. Earlier this year, they attacked commercial ships that they said are linked to Israel or bound for Israeli ports.

OPEC oil output increases in July

According to Reuters, OPEC oil output rose in July, as a rebound in Saudi Arabian supply and small increases elsewhere offsetting the impact of ongoing voluntary supply cuts by other members and the wider OPEC Plus alliance.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) pumped 26.70 million barrels per day (bpd) in July, up 100,000 bpd from June.

The increase comes despite OPEC Plus keeping in place most of its output cuts until the end of 2025 to bolster the market in the face of tepid demand growth, high interest rates and rising US production.

A meeting of top OPEC Plus ministers on Thursday kept oil output policy unchanged including a plan to start unwinding one layer of output cuts from October, and repeating that the hike could be paused or reversed if needed.

Saudi Arabia provided the largest supply boost last month of 70,000 bpd, as exports rebounded from June when they were lower than expected. Production reached 9 million bpd in July, close to the kingdom's target.

Nigeria had the biggest decline of 30,000 bpd, with exports lower month on month.

Small increases came from Libya and Iran, two of the members not required to cut output, and from Iraq. Iranian output reached 3.22 million bpd, the highest since 2018.

Iran has been boosting exports in the last few years despite US sanctions remaining in place. Iraq's output edged higher with exports increasing month on month, flows data showed and a tanker-tracking source said.

OPEC pumped about 240,000 bpd more than the implied target for the nine members covered by supply cut agreements, with Iraq still accounting for the bulk of the excess, the survey found.

The Reuters aims to track supply to the market and is based on shipping data provided by external sources, LSEG flows data, information from companies that track flows - such as Petro-Logistics and Kpler - and information provided by sources at oil companies, OPEC and consultants.

OPEC Plus unlikely to change oil output policy

According to Reuters, a mini OPEC Plus ministerial meeting scheduled next month is unlikely to recommend changing the group's output policy, including a plan to start unwinding one layer of oil output cuts from October.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies led by Russia, commonly known as OPEC Plus, will hold an online joint ministerial monitoring committee meeting (JMMC) on August o1, 2024 to review the market.

Reuters says the meeting would serve as a "pulse check" for the health of the market.

Oil has risen in 2024 and was trading around US$85 a barrel on Thursday, finding support from Middle East conflict and falling inventories. Concern about higher for longer interest rates and demand has limited gains this year.

Reuters says, neither the Saudi government communications office returned a request for comment nor OPEC's headquarters in Vienna responded to a request for comment.

OPEC Plus has cut output by a total of 5.86 million barrels per day (bpd), or about 5.7% of global demand, in a series of steps agreed since late 2022.

At its last meeting in June, OPEC Plus agreed to extend cuts of 3.66 million bpd by a year until the end of 2025 and to prolong the most recent layer of cuts, a 2.2 million bpd cut by eight members for three months until the end of September 2024.

OPEC Plus is anticipated to gradually phase out the cuts of 2.2 million bpd over the course of a year from October 2024 to September 2025.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, asked this week if the market was strong enough to take the extra volume from October, did not rule out tweaks to the agreement if needed.

"Now we have such an option (of output increase), as we said earlier, we will always evaluate the current situation," Novak said.

In June, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman had said OPEC Plus could pause or reverse the production hikes if it decided the market is not strong enough.

The JMMC usually meets every two months and can make recommendations to change policy which could then be discussed and ratified in a full OPEC Plus ministerial meeting of all members.

 

World must know ten things about Pezeshkian

After Ebrahim Raisi, an arch-conservative elected to the presidency in 2021, was killed in a helicopter crash in May, Iran had to call a snap election. The winner is 69 year old Masoud Pezeshkian, labelled reformist. As tensions continue to increase across the Middle East, and with Iran-United States relations at a low point, following are 10 things you should know about the new president.

1. Pezeshkian was one of only six candidates approved to run for president by Iran’s Guardian Council, which supervises the country’s elections, and the only reformist candidate among them. In Friday’s run-off, he defeated conservative hardliner Saeed Jalili. Eighty people had tried to run for president but almost all of them were blocked by the Council, including former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

2. While his late predecessor Raisi was a trained cleric, Pezeshkian is a medical doctor – a heart surgeon in fact. His political career began when he was appointed deputy health minister (1997-2001) and then health minister (2001-2005) in the government of the last reformist Iranian president Mohammad Khatami. He went on to become a five-term member of Iran’s parliament and a deputy speaker.

3. The new president takes a more liberal line on the enforcement of the compulsory headscarf in Iran. “If we want to ‘force’ hijab in the country,” he has said, “I don’t think we will get anywhere.” After the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, Pezeshkian wrote that it was “unacceptable in the Islamic Republic to arrest a girl for her hijab and then hand over her dead body to her family.”

4. Pezeshkian’s campaign slogan is “For Iran,” which is believed to be a not so subtle reference to the popular anthem supporting the 2022 Mahsa Amini protests called “Baraye”, or “For.” Shervin Hajipour, the Grammy Awarding-winning Iranian singer-songwriter behind “Baraye,” was sentenced to more than three years in prison in March for “propaganda against the system” and “encouraging people to protest.”

5. The new president says he wants better relations with the West and the United States, in particular, and seems to also want a return to the nuclear deal that Barack Obama signed, Donald Trump tore up, and Joe Biden has refused to resurrect. Pezeshkian even deployed former Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif, one of the architects of the deal, as a surrogate on the campaign trail.

6. Pezeshkian, nevertheless, like most Iranian politicians, has a long history of denouncing the United States “The Great Satan”. In 2019, when Iran shot down an American drone, Pezeshkian said “the real terrorist is America” and described the targeting of the drone as “a strong punch in the mouths of the leaders of criminal America.”

7. Pezeshkian, a reformist, isn’t shy about defending the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which has huge power and influence inside Iran. It was controversially designated a foreign terrorist organization by the Trump administration. The Iran-Iraq War veteran even once wore an IRGC military uniform in parliament as a show of support for the organization, which he says is “different” to what it was in the past.

8. Persians are the ethnic majority in Iran, but Pezeshkian is the son of an Azeri father and a Kurdish mother, and fluent in both Azeri and Kurdish. “I am not voting for Dr Pezeshkian because I am a Turk,” one Azeri voter told IranWire, “but because if he is elected, he will be the president of the oppressed and discriminated minority of this country.”

9. Like President Joe Biden, who lost his wife and young daughter in a car crash in 1972, the new Iranian president also lost his wife and young daughter in a car crash in 1994. Unlike Biden, Pezeshkian “never remarried and raised his remaining two sons and a daughter alone.”

10. Pezeshkian may have won his race thanks to a late surge in voter turnout. The first round of the election saw the lowest turnout in the history of the Islamic Republic, just 40%. But on Friday, in the run-off, it bumped up to around 50%.

For some Iranians, reported the Washington Post, “refusing to vote is an act of opposition in a country that quells political protests with violent force.” Others have embraced political apathy because of the failure of multiple presidents from across the political spectrum to effect social or economic change.

Pezeshkian has acknowledged the challenge ahead. “I will do everything possible to look at those who were not seen by the powerful and whose voices are not heard,” he told supporters earlier this week.

But what does “everything possible” look like for an elected Iranian president inside of a political system where most of the power remains in the hands of an unelected Supreme Leader, Ayatullah Ali Khamenei?

Can the Islamic Republic’s first reformist president for 19 years offer real hope or change to almost 90 million Iranians, more than half of whom are under the age of 30? That remains to be seen.

And how will the United States respond to an Iranian leader who wants to mend ties with the West?

 

World leaders congratulate Pezeshkian

Iran’s newly elected president, Masoud Pezeshkian, has received warm congratulatory messages from across the world, including the leaders of neighboring countries and prominent international organizations.

They have called for strengthening relations and cooperation with the Islamic Republic on global and regional issues.

Putin praises “constructive” ties 

Russian leader Vladimir Putin congratulated Pezeshkian on his victory in the presidential runoff and attached significance to the improvement of ties with Iran. 

"I hope that your activity as president will facilitate the further boosting of constructive bilateral cooperation on all tracks to benefit our friendly peoples, in the interests of easing regional security and stability," he said in a statement published on the Kremlin website. 

The Russian president said Moscow and Tehran "efficiently coordinate efforts in resolving the pressing issues of the international agenda".

Addressing Pezeshkian, he said in the statement, "I wish you success, good health and prosperity."

Both Iran and Russia have been targeted by stiff Western sanctions. 

Xi commends strategic mutual trust

The Chinese president issued a similar message. 

"I attach great importance to the development of China-Iran relations and am willing to work with the President to lead the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership towards deeper advancement," state news agency Xinhua cited Xi Jinping as saying.

Xi added that Iran and China "have a long history of friendly exchanges, and bilateral relations have maintained healthy and stable development... for over half a century."

He also highlighted strategic partnership between Tehran and Beijing. 

"Faced with complex regional and international situations, China and Iran have always supported each other, worked together and continued to consolidate strategic mutual trust. This has not only brought benefits to our two countries' peoples, but has also made active contributions to promoting regional and world peace and stability," the Chinese president said.

Saudi Arabia demands stronger ties  

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called for promoting ties with Iran as he congratulated Pezeshkian after winning the presidential election run-off.

“I affirm my keenness on developing and deepening the relations between our countries and people and serve our mutual interests,” Saudi Arabia’s state news agency, SPA, quoted bin Salman as saying.

Last year, a China-brokered deal saw Riyadh and Tehran re-establish diplomatic relations after years of tensions. The two Persian Gulf countries have since increased regular contact in an effort to bolster ties.

Iraq seeks closer ties 

The Iraqi president wished Pezeshkian success in his duties and in “fulfilling the ambitions and aspirations or the Iranian people”.

“We affirm our keenness to strengthen relations between Iraq and Iran in a way that serves the interests of the two neighboring countries and peoples,” Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid said in a message to Iran’s president-elect. 

Senior Iraqi Shia leader Ammar al-Hakim, a former leader of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq and current head of the National Wisdom Movement, also sent congratulations and expressed hope that Pezeshkian can help resolve regional differences.

Other Persian Gulf Arab leaders, including Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said of Oman and Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah of Kuwait also extended their congratulations to the Iranian president-elect. 

Pakistan pushes for closer relations 

The Pakistani prime minister called for efforts to “ensure a bright future” for the two neighbors. 

“Heartiest congratulations to my brother Dr. Massoud Pezeshkian on his victory in Iran's presidential elections! I look forward to working closely with President-elect Dr. Pezeshkian to further strengthen Pakistan-Iran bilateral ties & promote regional peace & stability. As neighboring countries, Pakistan & Iran enjoy a close & historic relationship.

We must ensure a bright future for our two peoples through mutually beneficial cooperation’” Shehbaz Sharif wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

The Pakistani president also hoped that Tehran-Islamabad relations will grow under the Pezeshkian presidency.

“Pakistan looks forward to working together with Iran for the peace and prosperity of the region,” Asif Ali Zardari said. 

India hails long-standing relationship 

The prime minister of India also extended his congratulations to the newly elected Iranian president.

“Congratulations @drpezeshkian on your election as the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Looking forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our warm and long-standing bilateral relationship for the benefit of our peoples and the region,” Narendra Modi said in a post on X. 

South Korea wishes Iran prosperity 

In East Asia, South Korea expressed hope for improving relations between Tehran and Seoul.  

“We wish Iran a path of prosperity and development under the new government, contributing constructively to regional stability. We look forward to further enhancing our friendly relations with Iran,” South Korea’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Malaysia urges fruitful collaboration 

The Malaysian prime minister said in a message to Pezeshkian that the outcome of Iran’s election reflects the vibrant spirit of Iranian democracy and heralds a promising future for the country.

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said with its rich and ancient civilization, Iran occupies a unique and prominent place in world history, and the potential for Malaysia-Iran relations is immense and filled with promise.

“We look forward to strengthening our bilateral mechanisms to deepen and broaden cooperation between the two countries. We are committed to collaborating on international platforms such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the Developing-8 (D8),” the Malaysian leader said. 

“I look forward to welcoming Pezeshkian to Malaysia at the earliest opportunity,” he said.

Syrian president hails strategic relationship 

In Syria, President Bashar al-Assad expressed hope in a message to Pezeshkian that Tehran and Damascus will cement their “strategic” ties. 

“We will work with you to boost the Syrian-Iranian strategic relationship and open new promising horizons for bilateral cooperation as resistance will remain the common approach that we follow in order to preserve the pride of our countries and defend the interests of their peoples,” al-Assad said.

The Syrian president added in his message, “Your country, which is impregnable as it has always been, is one of the most important countries with which we are keen to ensure that the relationship is at its peak because this relationship is based on roots established through decades of mutual respect, common understanding and firm principles to which Syria and Iran have always adhered.”

Aliyev invites Pezeshkian to visit Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan’s president extended an invitation to Pezeshkian to visit his country.  

“I heartily congratulate you on your election as the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. I invite you to pay a visit to Azerbaijan to exchange views on the prospects for development of our bilateral cooperation,” Ilham Aliyev said in a letter to the Iranian newly elected president. 

He also threw a spotlight on friendly ties between Iran and Azerbaijan. 

“We attach great importance to the relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Islamic Republic of Iran built on solid foundations such as common religious and cultural roots, friendship and brotherhood. Today, the agreements reached on the future development areas of Azerbaijan-Iran relations based on mutual respect and good neighborliness and the implemented joint projects serve the well-being of our countries, the sustainable development and security of the region as a whole,” he said. 

Armenia PM hails warm, friendly ties 

The Armenian premier also called for deepening bilateral relations in a congratulatory message to Pezeshkian. 

"Relations with the brother country of the Islamic Republic of Iran are of special importance for the government and people of the Republic of Armenia, which has been continuously developing since the declaration of independence of Armenia," Nikol Pashinyan said.

"Continuous deepening of warm relations between Armenia and Iran in the field of bilateral cooperation and stability and prosperity of the region is of particular importance," he added.

"I am confident that with the joint efforts of our governments, the agreements reached between the Republic of Armenia and the Islamic Republic of Iran will be implemented and we will jointly implement a number of new programs for the welfare of the friendly people of Armenia and Iran," Armenia’s prime minister concluded. 

Venezuela calls for confronting hegemony 

Venezuela hailed Iran for its “commitment demonstrated to democracy” during the two rounds of elections.

“Venezuela expresses its conviction that the decision made by the Iranian people will contribute to the prosperity of this nation, as well as its consolidation as an emerging power in the nascent multipolar world,” Venezuela’s foreign minister said. 

Yvan Gil said Pezeshkian will have the “absolute support” of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his government with the aim of expanding relations and continuing to defeat “the hegemonic pretensions that threaten multilateralism and world peace”.

Iran and Venezuela signed a 20-year strategic cooperation plan in 2022 in Tehran.

Both countries have been under US sanctions.

Lukashenko urges strategic partnership 

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said in a congratulatory message to Pezeshkian that he is convinced the two countries will promote ties.  

“The dialogue between Minsk and Tehran at all levels is steadily expanding. I am convinced that in the near future we will be able to implement all the agreements reached, including those on raising the level of the Belarusian-Iranian relations to a strategic partnership,” Lukashenko said. 

Serbia sends message of hope 

The Serbian President also congratulated Iran’s president-elect.

“Sincere congratulations to Iranian President 

@drpezeshkian. Your victory reflects citizens' trust in your vision for the future, dedication to peace, and desire for your country's progress. I am confident that your leadership will bring prosperity and well-being to your people,” Aleksandar Vucic said in a post on X. 

SCO “committed to working with Iran” 

 The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is among international organization that congratulated Pezeshkian on his election as Iran’s president. 

“The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is committed to working with Iran to jointly achieve sustainable development as the main guarantor of global stability, ensuring regional security and a mechanism for equality,” Zhang Ming, the organization’s secretary general, said in his congratulatory message. 

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, an intergovernmental entity formed in 1996 by the leaders of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, aims to foster multilateral security, economic, and political cooperation. 

Iran's membership was initially agreed upon during late President Ebrahim Raisi's visit to Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on September 17, 2021, and later ratified by the Iranian parliament on November 27, 2022. The formal announcement of Iran's membership occurred during a virtual summit of SCO heads of state on July 4, 2023.

 

Iran: Presidential election and there after

In the Iranian presidential election being held today, six handpicked candidates are participating. Though, the scanty details have started pouring in, these are mostly tweaked. The details coming from western media are aimed at proving that elections are eyewash. The western media is also busy in creating discontent among the Iranians and using a few dissent voices.

Ironically, the presidential debate in the United States is engrossed in self-created issues of United States, i.e. trade war with China, Russia-Ukraine conflict and above all on going genocide in Gaza by Israel. All these issues have been created and garnered by military complexes that are the key donors of election campaigns in United States for ages.

One may recall that once there was a ban on export of oil from United States, now the country has attained the status of major oil and gas producing and exporting country. The lust for getting complete control over energy trade is touching new highs.

Therefore, the United States wants to keep Iran out of energy trade. However, the bigger objective is, not to allow Iran to become a regional power. Saudi Arab – Iran animosity has been used for more than five decades to keep Iran out of energy trade and luring Saudi Arabia to buy more and more lethal weapons.

Since Islamic revolution in Iran, United States has tried to sponsor anti-cleric groups but failed miserably. The US has killed many of the Iranian scientists and commanders, with close coordination with Israel. The elimination of President Ebrahim Raisi was an attempt to disrupt the process of choosing the successor of Rahbar Ali Khamenei.

The United States is also annoyed by the growing cordial diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia. The biggest disturbing point is that in case these two countries become friend, not only US hegemony in the region will be reduced but the two countries will get control over oil and gas moving through Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea.

Whatever may be the outcome of Iranian elections, United States remains adamant at imposing new sanctions of Iran, keeping it out of energy trade and disrupting normalization of Saudi-Iranian relations. The bigger objective is to support Israel in killing Gazans and get control over the tiny piece of land extra rich in oil and gas.

 

  

 

 

Saudi Arab-China to strengthen relations

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman and his Chinese counterpart Lt. Gen. Dong Jun discussed the ways to further strengthen Saudi-Chinese bilateral relations in Beijing on Tuesday.

This is within the framework of the strategic defense partnership between the two countries that aimed to serve mutual interests and fulfill the aspirations of the leadership of the two nations. The two leaders also discussed joint coordination efforts to maintain international peace and security.

Several high-ranking Saudi officials attended the meeting. They included Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Fayyad Al-Ruwaili, Saudi Ambassador to China Abdulrahman Al-Harbi; Commander of the Strategic Missile Force Lt. Gen. Jarallah Al-Alweet, Director General of the Office of the Minister of Defense Hisham bin Abdulaziz bin Saif, Head of the Armed Forces Operations Authority Maj. Gen. Misfer Al-Ghanem, and Military Attaché at the Saudi Embassy in Beijing Commodore Salem Al-Maliki.

Several senior Chinese officials also attended the meeting and they included Deputy Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Central Military Commission Lt. Gen. Jing Jianfeng, and Director of the Office of International Military Cooperation at the Central Military Commission Maj. Gen. Li Bin.

Earlier, upon arrival in Beijing, an official reception ceremony was held for Prince Khalid bin Salman, during which the national anthem of Saudi Arabia and China was played and then Prince Khalid bin Salman inspected the guard of honor.

 

United States losing grip over Middle East

The events of October 07, 2023, marked a significant turning point for both Israel and the Arab world. The attack by Hamas has initiated a new era in regional dynamics. In the years leading up to this, four Arab League members—Bahrain, Morocco, Sudan, and the United Arab Emirates—had begun normalizing diplomatic relations with Israel. As of late 2023, Saudi Arabia was also considering a similar move.

However, the attack by Hamas and Israel’s subsequent military action in Gaza has halted progress toward normalization. Saudi Arabia announced it would not proceed with normalization until Israel takes steps toward establishing a Palestinian state. Additionally, Jordan recalled its ambassador to Israel, and a planned visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Morocco was canceled.

Arab leaders are increasingly concerned as public opposition to the war in Gaza grows. Protests have erupted in many Arab countries, with demonstrators in Jordan and Morocco demanding the end of their countries' peace treaties with Israel. This public sentiment highlights frustration over perceived government inaction.

October 07 may also prove pivotal for the United States. The Gaza conflict has significantly damaged Arab public opinion of the US, complicating its efforts to resolve the Gaza crisis, manage Iran, and counter China's influence in the Middle East.

Arab Barometer’s surveys reveal a significant drop in favorable views of the US across the Arab world, reversing a trend of improved opinions seen up to 2022. In contrast, views of China have improved, driven by dissatisfaction with US policies rather than specific approval of Chinese actions regarding Gaza.

For US leaders, resolving the Gaza conflict and fostering a permanent Israeli-Palestinian settlement are crucial. Additionally, securing the Red Sea and building a regional alliance to counter Iran and limit China’s influence are key objectives. However, achieving these goals requires the cooperation of Arab states, which is difficult with the current level of public skepticism toward the US.

The belief that Arab leaders are indifferent to public opinion is a misconception. The Arab Spring and subsequent protests have shown that public sentiment can influence leadership changes. Hence, US policymakers must consider Arab public opinion to effectively engage with the region.

Surveys indicate that Arab skepticism towards the US can be reversed through policy changes. Measures such as advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza, increasing humanitarian aid, and supporting a two-state solution could improve perceptions of the US. Ultimately, demonstrating concern for Palestinian suffering as much as for Israeli suffering is crucial for the US to regain trust among Arab citizens.

US-Saudi Arabia to sign security treaty

The Biden administration is close to finalizing a treaty with Saudi Arabia that would commit the United States to help defend the Gulf nation as part of a deal aimed at encouraging diplomatic ties between Riyadh and Israel, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday.

The possible deal, widely telegraphed by US and other officials for weeks, is part of a wider package that would include a US-Saudi civil nuclear pact, steps toward the establishment of a Palestinian state and an end to the war in Gaza, where months of ceasefire efforts have failed to bring peace.

Approval of the treaty, which the WSJ said would be known as the Strategic Alliance Agreement, would require a two-thirds majority vote in the US Senate, a threshold that would be difficult to achieve unless the treaty were tied to Israeli-Saudi normalization.

The draft treaty is modeled loosely on Washington's mutual security pact with Japan, the newspaper cited US and Saudi officials as saying.

In exchange for the US commitment to help defend Saudi Arabia if it were attacked, the draft treaty would grant Washington access to Saudi territory and airspace to protect US interests and regional partners, the newspaper reported.

It is also intended to bind Riyadh closer to Washington by prohibiting China from building bases in the kingdom or pursuing security cooperation with Riyadh, the WSJ quoted officials as saying.

The White House, the US State Department and the Saudi embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

 

Saudi Arabia to boost oil production capacity

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, announced the Kingdom's ambitious plan to increase its oil production capacity to 12.3 million barrels per day by 2028. This significant expansion aligns with the Kingdom's strategic goals amidst evolving global energy markets.

The announcement came during a special panel discussion at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in Russia. The forum, themed "The Future of the Oil and Gas Market: Global Demand Outlook and Producers' Plans," was attended by several OPEC and non-OPEC ministers.

Prince Abdulaziz, who also serves as the chairman of the OPEC+ ministerial meetings, underscored the robust decisions made during the 37th OPEC and non-OPEC ministerial meeting held on June 02 in Riyadh.

He emphasized that the OPEC Plus agreement allows for flexible adjustments to production, including temporary suspensions or reversals if market conditions necessitate.

Responding to market reactions and media interpretations, Prince Abdulaziz criticized some analysts for their negative portrayal of the OPEC Plus decisions.

He cited recent erroneous reports from major financial institutions, arguing that such narratives misrepresent the strength and foresight of the OPEC Plus strategies.

Prince Abdulaziz reiterated the effectiveness of OPEC Plus actions, particularly highlighting the success of the April 2020 meeting during the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent June meeting.

He dismissed claims that OPEC Plus is focused more on market share than price stabilization, asserting that OPEC Plus consistently acts in the best interest of market stability.

Prince Abdulaziz detailed Saudi Arabia’s plans to progressively increase oil production starting in 2025, with significant increments in 2026 and 2027, reaching the target of 12.3 million barrels per day by 2028.

He also noted the Kingdom's commitment to renewable energy, aiming to save one million barrels of oil currently used for electricity generation by expanding renewable energy sources.

In the broader context of OPEC Plus decisions, the group agreed to gradually reduce production cuts by about 2 million barrels per day starting in October. Despite an initial drop in crude oil prices following the announcement, Prince Abdulaziz remains confident that the market will soon recognize the prudence of OPEC Plus policies.

 

Has the world formally recognized Taliban regime in Afghanistan?

No country in the world has formally recognized the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan, where the group seized power in 2021. Still some of the countries operate embassies in Kabul and have accepted diplomats appointed by the Taliban, which controls Afghan missions in some 14 nations in the region.

Russia is the latest country that is set to expand diplomatic ties with the militants. Moscow appears poised to delist the Taliban from its list of terrorist groups.

“This could be a step toward the Taliban gaining regional legitimacy,” said Graeme Smith, a senior Afghanistan analyst at the Brussels-based International Crisis Group.

Many countries have tied recognition to the Taliban establishing an inclusive government, ensuring women’s rights, and breaking ties with extremist groups — issues that the militants have refused to budge on.

Afghanistan’s neighbors, concerned about security, trade, migration, and drug trafficking, have been more open to establishing ties with the Taliban, said Smith.

The militants face major hurdles in gaining international legitimacy, and many Afghan missions around the world are still run by diplomats appointed by the former internationally recognized Afghan government.

The hardline Islamist group appears to be making headway in its strategy to gain recognition from countries in Afghanistan’s backyard.

RUSSIA

Russia is one of the few countries that maintain its embassy in Kabul. In April 2022, Russia handed over the Afghan Embassy in Moscow to Taliban, becoming the latest country to accredit Taliban-appointed diplomats without officially recognizing the Taliban-led government. Commenting on removing the Taliban from Russia’s list of terrorist organizations, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on May 28 that Moscow should build relations with the group.

CHINA

In January, Chinese President Xi Jinping formally accepted the credentials of a Taliban-appointed ambassador, becoming the first head of state to do so. The Chinese Foreign Ministry clarified the move did not mean Beijing officially recognized the Taliban-led government. But Taliban celebrated the move as a major diplomatic victory.

PAKISTAN

The Taliban gained control of the Afghan Embassy in Islamabad in October 2021. It was one of the first Afghan missions the group took over after regaining power. Pakistan is a longtime ally of the Taliban, although the sides have fallen out recently over Taliban’s alleged support for the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan.

IRAN

Tehran also kept its embassy in Kabul open after the Taliban seized control of the capital. Iran formally handed over the Afghan Embassy to the Taliban in February 2023. Former foes, Iran and the Taliban have forged close ties despite sporadic border clashes.

INDIA

New Delhi reopened its embassy in Kabul last year. But Afghan diplomatic missions in India are in limbo as diplomats appointed by the former Afghan government have tried to stave off Taliban attempts to take over the embassy and two consulates.

KAZAKHSTAN

In December, Astana removed the Taliban from its list of terrorist groups. That came months after Kazakhstan accepted a new Afghan ambassador appointed by the Taliban.

UZBEKISTAN

Tashkent engaged the Taliban soon after the group returned to power. In February, the Taliban appointed a diplomat to take charge of the Afghan Embassy in the Uzbek capital.

TURKMENISTAN

Ashgabat accepted a Taliban ambassador in March 2022. The sides have worked closely on regional energy and transport projects. But there have been sporadic tensions and border clashes.

TAJIKISTAN

The Taliban controls the Afghan consulate in the eastern Tajik city of Khorog. But the embassy is run by the ambassador appointed by the ex-Afghan government. Tajikistan is the only neighboring country to publicly oppose the Taliban’s return to power, and Dushanbe has hosted some of the leaders of the National Resistance Front, an anti-Taliban resistance group.

AZERBAIJAN

Baku officially reopened its embassy in Kabul in March, following through on a pledge made last year. But it is not clear if there are any Taliban diplomats present in Azerbaijan.

TURKEY

The Afghan Embassy in Ankara is controlled by the ambassador appointed by the ex-Afghan government. But the consulate in Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city, is run by the Taliban. Several exiled Afghan political leaders are believed to reside in Turkey, including former Vice President Abdul Rashid Dostum.

QATAR

Doha has hosted a Taliban political office since 2013. The Qatari capital was the scene of negotiations between Taliban and US officials that paved the way for the complete withdrawal of all foreign troops from Afghanistan in 2021. Qatar has engaged with the Taliban at the highest level and remains a key international interlocutor for its government, which controls the Afghan Embassy in Doha.

SAUDI ARABIA

Riyadh maintains an embassy in Kabul and continues to offer consular services for Afghans, thousands of whom work in the kingdom as laborers. After the Taliban takeover, Riyadh helped establish an Organization of Islamic Countries mission in Kabul. It is unclear if the Taliban controls all Afghan diplomatic missions in the oil-rich country.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Abu Dhabi also maintains an embassy in Kabul. The Taliban has appointed diplomats to the Afghan Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the consulate in Dubai.

Courtesy: South Asia Journal

Cordial Saudi-Iranian ties to continue, say MBS

Iranian interim president, Mohammad Mokhber, received a phone call from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman on Friday afternoon in which he underscored that the cordial relations between Tehran and Riyadh will continue after the passing of President Ebrahim Raisi. 

“The incident was very painful for us. The loss of Raisi hurt all of us, and the loss of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran, who was very friendly with our Minister of Foreign Affairs, was also sorrowful,” the Saudi crown prince was quoted by Iranian media as telling Mokhber. 

Bin Salman stressed that Saudi Arabia will continue the path of developing relations with Iran, a goal that he described as being pursued by President Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian. 

He announced his country's readiness to expand economic relations with Iran.

Mokhber, for his part, thanked Saudi Arabia for its messages of condolences with Iran over the demise of its president. 

Describing the expansion of relations with neighboring countries as one of the important strategies of the late President Raisi, Mokhber noted, “It was difficult for us to lose a popular and hardworking president like Raisi, but the course of the country will not change and the same spirit of interest and trust between Iran and Saudi Arabia during the martyred president's term will continue.”

He stressed, “The continuation of the neighborhood policy of the 13th government and the development of relations with the countries of the region is the only option before all of us, and companionship and empathy with each other is the guarantee of stability and prosperity in the region.”

In this call, Mokhber invited the Saudi crown prince to pay a visit to Iran. Bin Salman accepted the invitation and extended an invitation for Mokhber to visit Saudi Arabia. 

 

Saudi Arabia pledges support for Iran

Saudi Arabia expressed grave concern over the media reports regarding the accident happened to a helicopter carrying Iran’s President Dr. Ebrahim Raisi and an accompanying delegation, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. The Kingdom announced its readiness to provide any assistance that the Iranian agencies needed, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement, carried by the Saudi Press Agency.

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan made a phone call on Monday with Iran’s Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani. During the call, Prince Faisal offered to Kani his deep condolences and sincere sympathy over the death of Iranian President Dr. Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and their accompanying delegation in a helicopter crash on Sunday. The minister expressed the Kingdom’s solidarity with the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran

“The government of Saudi Arabia is following with great concern what was circulated in the media regarding the helicopter carrying Iran’s President Dr. Ebrahim Raisi and an accompanying delegation. At a time when we supplicate God Almighty to safeguard the president and those accompanying him with His protection and care, we reaffirm that Saudi Arabia stands by the sisterly Islamic Republic of Iran in these difficult circumstances,” the ministry said.

A helicopter carrying Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has been involved in an accident, the Iranian state media reported earlier. Reports say the helicopter - one of three travelling in a convoy - made a “hard landing” after it got into difficulties in heavy fog in the north of the country.

Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi said rescuers were still trying to reach the site due to the difficult weather conditions. Raisi was heading to the city of Tabriz, in the north west of Iran, after returning from an Iran-Azerbaijan border area, according to local media.

 

 

Saudi Arabia supports internationally recognized Palestine State

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman reaffirmed that Saudi Arabia supports the establishment of a Palestinian state and its international recognition as a full member of the United Nations.

The Gulf leaders attending the summit also included Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, UAE’s Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed Al-Maktoum, and Kuwait’s Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

Addressing the opening session of the Arab League Summit in Manama on Thursday, the Crown Prince called on the international community to support ceasefire efforts and halt the ongoing Israeli aggression on Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip.

In his speech at the 33rd session of the Arab League Council at the summit level, Prince Mohammed bin Salman said that his country paid great attention to Arab issues, particularly the Palestine issue. Referring to Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit in Riyadh in November 2023 to discuss the Israeli aggression on Gaza.

Crown Prince said, “Saudi Arabia had hosted a meeting that condemned the Israeli aggression on Gaza under any pretext. Riyadh supported efforts to address the humanitarian conditions in Gaza,” he said. It is the first time the Arab leaders gathered after the Riyadh summit to discuss the dangerous Gaza escalation.

Saudi Arabia stresses the importance of maintaining the security of the Red Sea region, the Crown Prince said, while calling for stopping any acts that affect the safety of maritime navigation.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman also underlined that the Kingdom calls for resolving disputes through peaceful means.

Earlier, in his opening speech, King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa of Bahrain called for an international conference for peace in the Middle East.

He also pledged his country’s support for the full recognition of a Palestinian state and the acceptance of its membership in the United States. Recently, the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly backed a Palestinian bid to become a full UN member.

The Gaza situation and the establishment of a Palestine State figure high on the agenda of the one-day Arab League summit.