Iran: Tangled nuclear dispute with the West

Iran and the United States are scheduled to hold talks on Saturday on Iran's nuclear program, with US President Donald Trump having threatened military action if they cannot agree a deal. Iran's nuclear program has been the subject of a long dispute between it and Western countries that fear it wants to build an atomic bomb, which Tehran denies. Here is a timeline of the dispute:

1957 - Iran and United States signed a nuclear cooperation deal and the United States delivers a research reactor to Iran a decade later.

1970 - Iran ratified the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT), giving it the right to a civilian nuclear program but barring it from seeking an atomic bomb.

1979 - Iran's Islamic revolution upended its ties to major powers, turning former ally the United States into its main foe.

1995 - Russia agreed to finish construction of Iran's planned nuclear power plant at Bushehr, originally started by Germany and shelved after the revolution.

2003 - The UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), alleged Iran has not complied with NPT after the revelation it has secretly built a uranium enrichment plant at Natanz and a heavy water plant for plutonium at Arak.

Both can be used to make fuel for nuclear power but they can also be used in atomic warheads.

Iran accepted European proposals for more transparency in its nuclear program including snap IAEA inspections.

2004 - The IAEA said Iran did not provided the transparency it promised. Iran said it would not suspend uranium enrichment activity.

2005 - Russia offered to supply Iran with fuel for Bushehr to stop it developing its own fuel by making enriched uranium or plutonium.

IAEA said Iran was not in compliance with agreements and EU countries halted negotiations.

2006 - Iran resumed work at Natanz, said in April it had enriched uranium for the first time to about 3.5%, far short of the 90% needed for a warhead.

World powers the United States, Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany - later known collectively as the P5+1 offered Iran incentives to halt enrichment.

The United Nations Security Council imposed sanctions on Iran over its enrichment.

2009 - Western countries alleged Iran was building another secret uranium enrichment facility under a mountain at Fordow near Qom.

2010 - Iran started making 20% enriched uranium. The UN Security Council expanded sanctions including an embargo on major weapons systems, as the US and EU tighten their own sanctions.

A computer virus - Stuxnet - deployed aimed at paralyzing the Natanz plant, the start of direct operations against Iranian facilities that Tehran blames on Israel.

2011 - Bushehr nuclear plant started operations. Iran said it was using more advanced centrifuges to expand its 20% enrichment program.

2013 - Former nuclear negotiator Hassan Rouhani was elected Iranian president offering new proposals. He and US President Barack Obama hold a first call between leaders of the countries since 1979.

Iran-P5+1 talks in Geneva resulted in a Joint Plan of Action with steps required by both sides including reducing Iran's enriched uranium stockpile, more IAEA access and some sanctions relief.

2014 - Negotiations on a final deal continued through the year, with Iran halting uranium enrichment to 20% and work at Arak and getting access to oil revenue frozen by sanctions.

US allies in the region, Israel and Saudi Arabia, repeatedly cautioned Washington against a deal, saying Iran could not be trusted and citing its growing sway in the region.

2015 - Iran and the P5+1 agreed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) deal that limits Iran's nuclear work, allowing more inspections and a loosening of sanctions.

2016 - IAEA said Iran had met its commitments under the JCPOA, leading to UN sanctions tied to the nuclear program being lifted.

However, Iran's long-range ballistic missile tests prompt unease despite Tehran saying they could not carry nuclear warheads.

2017 - New US President Donald Trump declared the JCPOA was the "worst deal ever" and unilaterally pulled out. Despite Trump promising a better deal there have been no new talks.

2018 - The US reimposed on Iran.

2019 - With ties between Iran and the West deteriorating, a string of attacks on Gulf oil tankers and other regional energy facilities were blamed by the US on Iran.

2020 - A blast rocks Iran's Natanz plant and a nuclear scientist is assassinated near Tehran with Iran blaming both incidents on Israel.

2021 - With Trump out of the White House, the US and Iran resumed indirect talks but there was little progress.

Iran started enriching uranium to 60% - not too far from 90% needed for a bomb.

There were attacks on Iran's Natanz and a centrifuge factory in Karaj.

2022 - The IAEA accused Iran did not answer questions over uranium traces found at more sites. Iran stopped IAEA inspections and installed more new centrifuges at Natanz.

2025 - Trump returns to the White House and declared Iran must agree to a nuclear deal or there will be bombing.

 

Saudi bourse records highest close since December 2024

Saudi Arabia’s benchmark Tadawul All Share Index (TASI) closed 117 points or 1.1% higher at 11,194 points on Monday, the highest close since December 2024. Total turnover was recorded at SR 10.6 billion.

The Saudi stock market, the largest bourse in the Arab world, began trading on Monday with a significant drop of more than 400 points, reaching its lowest level of the day at 10,657 points, before recouping these losses to close in green. The market fell more than 800 points on Sunday.

Monday's upward trend in the Saudi market contrasts with global financial markets, which witnessed significant declines on the day. This was in addition to the third consecutive day of declines in oil prices, due to fears of a global trade war and an economic recession following US tariffs and Chinese counter-tariffs.

Saudi Aramco shares rose one percent to SR25.25 on Monday after suffering huge losses a day ago when its market value fell by more than SR340 billion.

National Education shares topped Monday's gains, rising 9% while ACWA Power shares rose 7% to and Al-Tawuniya shares rose 5% to, following the company's announcement of cash dividends to shareholders. CATRION, Sulaiman Al Habib, Mobily, Yamama Cement, Aldrees, Advanced, and Qassim Cement gained 3% to 6%.

In contrast, SABIC shares fell one percent and BATIC led the declines falling 10 percent.

Other Gulf stock markets also pared the heavy losses they incurred at the start of trading on Monday. The Dubai Financial Market lost 152.46 points at the close, recording a decline of 3.08%. FTSE Abu Dhabi General Index fell 2.59%. The Dubai Financial Market index fell by about 6% in morning trading, bringing its losses to nearly 10% in three trading sessions and 15% since February.

Who is responsible for the killing of Gazans?

The question of who is responsible for the killing of Gazans is complex and deeply tied to the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Responsibility depends on the context, perspective, and the specific events being referred to. In this post an attempt is being made to understand the present situation and propose a plausible solution:

Humanitarian perspective:

The Israeli military is often held responsible for a significant number of civilian casualties in Gaza, especially during major military operations. Israel says it targets Hamas and other militant groups, but these operations have resulted in many civilian deaths due to the densely populated nature of Gaza

Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza are also accused for operating from within civilian areas, use human shields, or launch rockets indiscriminately into Israeli territory, provoking retaliatory strikes and contributing to the cycle of violence.

International perspective:

International organizations, like the United Nations and human rights groups ‑ Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch ‑ accuse both Israel and Palestinian armed groups for the lingering conflict resulting in huge loss of human lives, particularly women and children.

Israel often accused of disproportionate use of force and blockade policies that severely impact civilians.

Palestinian groups are condemned for indiscriminate rocket attacks and operating in ways that endanger Israeli civilians.

Structural and political responsibility:

Long-term occupation, blockade, and lack of a viable peace process can be termed as structural causes of repeated violence.

Israel controls most of Gaza’s borders, airspace, and resources, while Hamas governs internally but with limited capacity.

International actors, including the United States, Egypt, Iran, and others, also play roles through military aid, political backing, or indirect support.

Crux of the Matter:

Direct military actions causing deaths are typically attributed to the Israeli military or Palestinian armed groups, depending on perspective of on lookers. Broader responsibility lies with political leaders, ongoing occupation, militant governance, and an international community that has often failed to resolve the underlying issues.

Way Forward:

Israel, now fully supported by US President Donald Trump wants complete cleansing/ exit of Gazans. During the ongoing conflict nearly 100,000 Gazans, mostly women and children have been killed. However, Gazans resolve has sustained are they are not ready to desert their homeland.

The other and more civilized option is creation of two states, Israel and Palestine. Saudi Arabia and many other Muslim countries support this.

United States also initiated Abraham Accords paving way for the recognition of Israel. However, many supporters of this initiative want Israel to go back to its original borders and let the Palestinians manage their own state.

Gaza 'Riviera of the Middle East'

Now the real stumbling block is US President Trump's plan to make Gaza 'Riviera of the Middle East' which requires all the 2.2 million residents to vacate the strip. This vision involved the United States taking control of Gaza, relocating its approximately two million Palestinian residents to neighboring countries, and redeveloping the area into a luxury resort destination. Trump suggested that Gaza's coastal location could make it "better than Monaco" if redeveloped appropriately.

This proposal received strong support from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli officials, who viewed it as a means to disarm Hamas and alter the region's dynamics. However, it faced significant criticism internationally. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres labeled the plan as "ethnic cleansing," emphasizing that forcibly transferring populations violates international law. Arab nations, including Jordan, also rejected the proposal, with Jordan's King Abdullah II expressing firm opposition to the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.

The plan also sparked debate within the United States, with bipartisan concerns about its feasibility and ethical implications. Critics argued that it misread the interests of Arab partners and could destabilize the region further. Facing mounting opposition, President Trump later stated that he would "recommend" but not enforce the plan, indicating a step back from the initial proposal.

 

 

 

 

OPEC+ agree to ramp up output in May

According to the Saudi Gazette, Saudi Arabia, Russia and six other OPEC+ countries, agreed on Thursday to boost oil supply in May 2025. The OPEC+ countries, which also include Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman, agreed to raise production by 411,000 barrels per day (bpd) in May.

The OPEC+ countries had been scheduled to raise output by 135,000 bpd in May as part of a plan to gradually unwind their most recent layer of output cuts. But after a meeting of the eight countries held virtually on Thursday, the group announced it would boost output by 411,000 bpd in May. OPEC attributed this to continuing healthy market fundamentals and the positive market outlook.

The group emphasized that these gradual increases could be paused or reversed depending on market conditions, with the flexibility intended to help stabilize oil prices. "This comprises the increment originally planned for May in addition to two monthly increments," OPEC said in a statement referring to the volume. "The gradual increases may be paused or reversed subject to evolving market conditions," it said.

The OPEC+ meeting on Thursday reviewed global market conditions and outlook. "In view of the continuing healthy market fundamentals and the positive market outlook, and in accordance with the decision agreed upon on December 05, 2024, and subsequently reaffirmed on March 03, 2025, to start a gradual and flexible return of the 2.2 million barrels per day voluntary adjustments starting from April 01, 2025, the eight countries will implement a production adjustment of 411000 bpd, equivalent to three monthly increments, in May 2025," the statement said.

"The gradual increases may be paused or reversed subject to evolving market conditions, and this flexibility will allow the group to continue to support oil market stability. The eight OPEC+ countries also noted that this measure will provide an opportunity for the participating countries to accelerate their compensation," the statement noted.

The OPEC+ countries reaffirmed their commitment to the voluntary production adjustments agreed at the 53rd JMMC meeting on April 03, 2024. They also confirmed their intention to fully compensate any overproduced volume since January 2024 and to submit updated front-loaded compensation plans to the OPEC Secretariat by April 15, 2025.

Persian Gulf Arabs oppose US attack on Iran

In a commentary on March 31, the British newspaper the Guardian wrote an article saying that the Persian Gulf Arab states are opposed to a possible US attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, believing it will make the Middle East region more insecure.

“Widespread rejection in the Persian Gulf of a US-inspired attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities is a relatively new factor in the equation, and Trump’s plan to reportedly visit Saudi Arabia on his first overseas trip means he may personally hear strong opposition to an attack on Iran from the Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman,” the Guardian wrote.

The following is the text of the article titled “Trump’s bombing threat over Iran nuclear program prompts backlash”:

Iran has reacted with outrage after Donald Trump said the country will be bombed if it does not accept US demands to constrain its nuclear program.

The US president said on Sunday that if Iran “Doesn’t make a deal, there will be bombing. It will be bombing the likes of which they have never seen before.”

Trump’s latest threat – more explicit and violent than any made before – came after he sent a letter to Iran, as yet undisclosed, offering to hold talks on its nuclear program. Iran had sent a reply to the US stating it was willing to hold indirect talks, officials confirmed.

Esmail Baghaei, the Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson, said of Trump’s threat, “The explicit threat of bombing Iran by the head of a country is clear contradiction to the essence of international peace and security.

“Such a threat is a gross violation of the United Nations charter and a violation of the International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards regime. Violence brings violence and peace creates peace, America can choose.”

The Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a sceptic about talks with the US, said Iran was not overly concerned by Trump’s words. “We consider it unlikely that such harm would come from outside. However, if any malicious act does occur, it will certainly be met with a firm
and decisive response,” he said.

Brig. Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the commander of the Revolutionary Guard’s aerospace force, said, “Someone in glass houses does not throw stones at anyone,” adding: “The Americans have at least 10 bases with 50,000 troops in the region, meaning they are sitting in a glass house.”

But the Iranian foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, clearly had authority to keep the prospect of talks alive, saying Iran had already replied to the Trump letter through intermediaries in Oman and adding he knew the Iranian letter had now reached the US. Araghchi said direct talks were not possible while the US continued to threaten and bully Iran.

Trump sent his original letter proposing talks through the United Arab Emirates’ senior diplomatic envoy, Anwar Gargash.

Trump has set a deadline of mid-May for progress to be made, but a longer deadline also exists of mid-August, by which time the original 2015 nuclear agreement will largely expire and a European response will be required. Trump took the US out of that agreement in 2018, a move widely seen as a mistake since it led Iran to speed up its uranium enrichment program.

That Iran sent its reply through Oman, its traditional chosen mediator, rather than the UAE may suggest Iran does not want the UAE – which has normalized relations with Israel – to act as intermediaries. The US and Iran had held indirect talks on reviving the nuclear agreement under the Biden administration in Vienna from 2021, but they fizzled out, and all sides agreed the indirect nature of the talks ate up time, something Trump is reluctant to offer Iran.

Some of the ground will have been covered in four rounds of parallel talks held between Iranian and European negotiators in Geneva.

Tehran has not commented on how broadly the Trump letter went in demanding concessions from Iran. But the Iranian ambassador to Iraq, Mohammad Kazem al-Sadegh, indicated the US was seeking talks that went wider than the nuclear program, saying the letter called for the disbandment of the Iranian-backed Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces militia.

The US administration has been divided over whether to simply demand Iran expose its civil nuclear program to fuller international inspection, or make a wider set of demands including a complete end to its nuclear program and an Iranian commitment to stop backing resistance groups in the Middle East such as Hamas in Gaza and the Houthis in Yemen.

The US national security adviser, Mike Waltz, has called for the “full dismantlement” of the Iranian nuclear program, something Tehran rejects. By contrast, Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, spoke only of restricting Iran’s nuclear program, something Iran has been willing to accept since 2015 so long as it leads to a lifting of sanctions on the Iranian economy.

Kamal Kharazi, the head of Iran’s Strategic Council on Foreign Relations and sometimes touted as a chief negotiator, has accused the US of operating a psychological war by adopting a policy of “either war or negotiation”.

Widespread rejection in the Persian Gulf of a US-inspired attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities is a relatively new factor in the equation, and Trump’s plan to reportedly visit Saudi Arabia on his first overseas trip means he may personally hear strong opposition to an attack on Iran from the Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman.

The Persian Gulf’s opposition to an attack on Iran is based not on close ideological affinity with Iran, but on a sense the region must avoid further political instability.

Political Swings in the Middle East in 2025

I am inclined to refer to an article by Robin Wright and Peyton Dashiel of Wilson Center. I consider it more like a US narrative. I suggest the readers to read the content dispassionately to understand how situation is likely to unfold in the near future.

In 2025, power dynamics in the Middle East shifted significantly. Sunni factions gained influence while Shiite groups tied to Iran weakened. Political turmoil, economic struggles, and escalating conflicts—especially between Israel and Iran—exacerbated regional instability, hampering diplomacy, development, and prospects for long-term peace.

Regional Shifts and Rising Conflicts

The region faced an unprecedented level of crises, with violence escalating in Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Sudan, and Yemen. The Sunni resurgence saw Islamist parties gaining political ground in Jordan and Syria, where a military coup toppled the Assad regime. Iran’s influence waned, with its proxy militias suffering major losses due to Israeli and US airstrikes. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia bolstered its regional dominance, hosting US-Russia talks on Ukraine and offering to mediate US-Iran negotiations.

Conflicts in Gaza and the Red Sea intensified. Israel’s war with Hamas continued, with peace efforts stalling. Hostilities between Israel and Iran escalated, with both nations engaging in direct attacks. Houthi rebels in Yemen disrupted international shipping in the Red Sea, causing a sharp decline in Suez Canal traffic.

Internal Political Shifts

In Turkey, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) lost major local elections in 2024, signaling a shift in public sentiment. The government’s arrest of opposition figure Ekrem İmamoğlu in March 2025 further fueled tensions.

In Iran, reformist Masoud Pezeshkian won the presidency, reflecting growing dissatisfaction with theocratic rule.

Tunisian President Kais Saied intensified crackdowns on opposition, extending the prison sentence of Ennahdha leader Rachid Ghannouchi.

Syria’s Assad regime collapsed after more than 70 years in power. Sunni militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) seized control, igniting sectarian clashes with Alawites. While Iran distanced itself from its traditional proxies, its Supreme Leader insisted Tehran did not rely on foreign militias.

Economic and Diplomatic Fallout

Economic crises deepened, with the World Bank warning of long-term stagnation. Diplomatic efforts faltered as regional rivalries intensified, particularly between Israel and Iran. With increasing violence and political upheaval, the path to stability in the Middle East remained highly uncertain.

Undeclared US-Iran war and role of Israel

The tension between the United States and Iranian clerics — especially the ruling ones — is rooted in a mix of historical events, ideological differences, and geopolitical conflicts. To understand the prevailing situation one has to peep into the history.

Iranian Revolution of 1979

Let us begin with the 1979 Iranian Revolution. The US had a strong alliance with Iran’s Shah (Mohammad Reza Pahlavi), who promoted Western-friendly policies. After Shah was overthrown, Ayatollah Khomeini established the Islamic Republic, rejecting Western influence and terming the US the "Great Satan." During the US embassy hostage crisis (1979-1981), 52 Americans were held captive for 444 days.

Ideological Clash

The Western media is never tired of claiming that Iran’s clerical leadership promotes anti-Western, anti-imperialist, and anti-Israel sentiments. This is termed directly challenging the US hegemony in the region.

The US supports secular governance and democracy, while Iran's leadership is based on Velayat-e Faqih (rule of the Islamic jurist), blending religion and politics in a way that challenges Western norms.

Regional Power Struggle

The United States considers Iran the biggest challenger of its hegemony in the MENA. The US classifies the axis of resistance as terrorist organizations and alleges that Iran supports militant groups like Hezbollah and Houthi rebels. Over the years the US has been playing the mantra, “Iran is a bigger threat for Saudi Arabia as compared to Iran” and promoting animosity among the two countries. This enabled the US to sell lethal weapons worth billions of dollars to Saudi Arabia.

Nuclear Tensions

Despite Iran’s repeated assurances that its nuclear program is peaceful, the US has been propagating that Iran is busy in developing nuclear weapons to destabilize the region. The 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA) temporarily eased tensions, but Trump withdrew from it in 2018, leading to renewed sanctions and hostilities.

Human Rights and Freedom

The US has been persistently accusing Iran’s clerical leadership for suppressing protests, women’s rights violations, censorship, and political imprisonments — especially after events like the 2022 Mahsa Amini protests.

In short, the US sees Iranian clerics as anti-Western, oppressive, and destabilizing, while the clerics view the US as imperialist and morally corrupt. It is believed that after the US Embassy debacle, the world super power decided not enter into direct confrontation with Iran. The US, found a proxy, Israel.

Strategic Partnership with Israel

The US sees Israel as its closest ally in the Middle East — a stable, technologically advanced, and militarily strong partner in a region filled with rival powers. Israel shares the US goal of curbing Iranian influence, especially because Iran funds groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, which directly threaten Israel.

Iran as a Regional Threat

The US and Israel both view Iran’s leadership as destabilizing due to Iranian support for militant proxies (Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria). Anti-Israel rhetoric — Iran’s leaders have repeatedly called for Israel’s destruction. Iran’s nuclear ambitions, which both nations see as a potential existential threat to Israel and a power-shifting game changer in the region.

Covert Israeli Operations

Israel often conducts covert strikes on Iranian targets — like the assassination of nuclear scientists or cyberattacks. This allows the US to distance itself publicly while still supporting Israeli actions behind the scenes (financial aid, intelligence sharing, advanced weaponry).

 Funding and Military Aid

The US provides Israel with $3.8 billion annually in military aid, ensuring Israel maintains a "Qualitative Military Edge" over regional adversaries, particularly Iran. This enables Israel to act as a forward line of defense without direct US military involvement.

Avoiding a Full-Scale War

Direct US conflict with Iran could escalate into a massive regional war — something the US wants to avoid after the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. By using Israel and occasionally other regional allies to contain Iran, the US avoids deploying troops while still advancing its strategic goals.

Balancing Regional Power

Iran’s influence stretches from Tehran to Beirut (the so-called "Shia Crescent"). The US and Israel work to disrupt this expansion, particularly in Syria (where Iran supported Assad) and Lebanon (via Hezbollah). Recent airstrikes on Iranian arms shipments and proxy bases — often attributed to Israel — are part of this containment strategy.

The Conclusion

The US doesn’t officially call Israel a proxy, but the relationship functions that way in practice. Israel handles the dirty work, and the US provides diplomatic cover, weapons, and money. This setup gives the US strategic flexibility without the cost and backlash of another Middle Eastern war.

Lebanon told to normalize relations with Israel

Following her previous provocative statement in Beirut that Hezbollah should have no share in the government, Morgan Ortagus, the deputy presidential special envoy to the Middle East, has said the outcome of current events is ultimately a “peace” agreement between Beirut and Tel Aviv.

In an exclusive interview with the Lebanese Al-Jadeed TV channel, Ortagus said the current goal is limited to launching diplomatic negotiations between three diplomatic working groups.

According to Ortagus, the goal of these negotiations is to address pressing issues such as the release of Lebanese prisoners, determining the fate of sites occupied by Israel, and demarcating the land border, which do not require diplomatic working groups and can be secured by the Supervisory Committee for the Implementation of Resolution 1701.

Regarding the Lebanese prisoners kidnapped by the Israeli enemy, there is no point in negotiation, as Lebanon has no Israeli prisoners to negotiate over.

Steve Witkoff, Donald Trump's special envoy, had previously noted Washington’s urgency in launching peace negotiations with both Lebanon and Syria. He had also expressed optimism about the possibility of Riyadh joining Abraham Accords.

Wittkoff firmly stated that the political transformations in the region could extend to Lebanon.

Prior to the election of Lebanon’s president and in the midst of the US-led Israeli aggression on Lebanon during September and November, the American “surveillance den” (embassy) in Beirut had interrogated several candidates regarding their positions on normalization with the Israeli occupation regime and weapons in possession of the Hezbollah resistance movement.

Lisa Johnson, the US ambassador to Beirut, informed prominent Lebanese figures that they must be prepared to secure a comprehensive and permanent solution with Tel Aviv.

The American witch frequently claimed that Hezbollah had – militarily and politically – collapsed and was barely able to manage its own affairs, and would therefore be unable to rebuild what her hostile country had destroyed.

As Washington is quite sure that there are just a few independent Lebanese officials who would reject American dictates, the White House will relentlessly go ahead with its imperialist and racist agenda.

Obviously, Washington has limited the mandate of the UN’s five-member committee to monitor Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty, while the committee repeatedly claims that Israeli procedures are in response to the violations by Hezbollah, which has not handed over its military arsenal or the coordinates of its military installations!

Accordingly, the shameful silence of Lebanon has made it easier for Washington to immediately jump to the stage of forming diplomatic working groups, as it claims.

These diplomatic working groups require violating the Lebanese constitution, which criminalizes any direct meeting between Lebanese diplomats and those from the Israeli colonial entity!

Naturally, the Lebanese leaders in power today must learn a lesson from the disastrous consequences of normalization for Egypt, Jordan, and even the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank. At the very least, they must learn a lesson from what is happening in neighboring Syria.

Courtesy: Tehran Times

Princess Haifa presents credentials to Macron

Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to Spain Princess Haifa bint Abdulaziz Al-Muqrin handed over her credentials as a non-resident ambassador to the Principality of Andorra to French President and the Co-Prince of Andorra Emmanuel Macron in a ceremony held at the Elysee Palace in Paris, reports Saudi Gazette.

Andorra is a sovereign landlocked country on the Iberian Peninsula, in the eastern Pyrenees in Western Europe, bordered by France to the north and Spain to the south. Andorra is a parliamentary co-principality with the bishop of Urgell in Spain and the president of France as co-princes. It’s popular for its ski resorts and a tax-haven status that encourages duty-free shopping.

Princess Haifa, one of the most influential Saudi women figures, was appointed as the Kingdom's ambassador to Spain in January 2024. Earlier, she held the position of the Kingdom's permanent representative to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). She also worked at the United Nations Development Program for seven years.

Princess Haifa is an expert in international institutional work, and one of the women who represented Saudi Arabia in international forums abroad. She has won the King Abdulaziz Order of Excellence in recognition of her outstanding contributions.

Muslim unity necessary to counter forced displacement of Palestinians

The foreign ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia have emphasized the urgent need for unity within the Muslim world to counter Israel’s efforts to forcibly displace Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, reports Tehran Times.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, on the sidelines of an extraordinary session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah on Friday. 

The two top diplomats reaffirmed the necessity for the Islamic world to remain focused on the Palestinian cause and resist attempts to erase Palestine through mass displacement.  

During their talks, Araghchi and Faisal bin Farhan also assessed the progress of Iran-Saudi relations and expressed their nations' commitment to strengthening diplomatic, economic, and strategic ties in accordance with the vision of their respective leaders.  

Araghchi had arrived in Jeddah a day earlier to participate in the high-stakes OIC meeting, which was convened to address Israel’s military actions in Gaza and its broader campaign against Palestinians.  

A key topic of discussion was a recent proposal by US President Donald Trump, suggesting that Washington, could take control of Gaza and transform it into "Riviera of West Asia." The proposal was widely condemned by Arab and Islamic nations.  

On the sidelines of the OIC meeting, Araghchi also met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The two officials addressed the broader challenges facing the Muslim world, particularly Israel’s ongoing aggression in Gaza and the occupation of the West Bank.

Araghchi expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in Syria, where militant groups such as Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have gained control. He warned that instability in Syria would only serve Israeli interests and provide a breeding ground for terrorist organizations.

Fidan echoed these concerns and reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to supporting Palestinian rights, emphasizing the collective responsibility of Islamic nations to resist Israeli expansionism.  

In addition to Saudi and Turkish officials, Araghchi held separate meetings with foreign ministers from Tunisia, Egypt, and Oman, discussing regional developments and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.  

During his meeting with Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti, both sides underscored their shared stance in advocating for Palestinian self-determination and denouncing Israel’s apartheid policies. They called for collective action among Islamic nations to prevent further displacement of Palestinians and to hold Israel accountable for its war crimes.  

Similarly, in discussions with Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Al Busaidi, both diplomats highlighted the strong ties between Tehran and Muscat. Busaidi reiterated Oman’s commitment to the Palestinian cause and emphasized the need for regional cooperation to support Palestinian sovereignty. Araghchi affirmed Iran’s willingness to expand its partnership with Oman across various sectors.  

In his talks with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, the Iranian diplomat rejected any initiative that involves the forced removal of Palestinians from Gaza, denouncing it as an act of ethnic cleansing. Both ministers stressed the need for continued solidarity within the Muslim world and the broader international community to support the Palestinian people and aid in Gaza’s reconstruction.  

 

Saudi Arabia reaffirms rejection of Palestinian displacement

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan reiterated Saudi Arabia’s firm rejection of any calls for the displacement of the Palestinian people from their land or attempts to impose solutions that do not meet their legitimate aspirations for self-determination. 

He warned of the grave consequences such actions could have on both the region and the world, reports Saudi Gazette.

Speaking at the extraordinary ministerial meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah on Friday, Prince Faisal stressed the importance of ensuring a sustained ceasefire in Gaza and holding Israel accountable for adhering to international law.

He reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to working with partner and friendly nations through the Two-State Solution Coalition to push forward its implementation.

During the meeting, the Saudi foreign minister welcomed Syria’s reinstatement to the OIC, expressing hope that the country would contribute positively to the organization's efforts.

The meeting featured speeches from OIC Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha, Cameroon’s Minister of Foreign Relations and Chairman of the Council of Foreign Ministers Logen Mbela Mbela, Gambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambian Expatriates Mamadou Tangara, and Palestinian Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohamed Mustafa.

In his speech, OIC Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha reaffirmed his support for the reconstruction plan for the Gaza Strip, which was adopted by the Arab Summit.

He underscored the need for mobilizing financial and political resources to implement the plan, within an integrated political and economic framework aimed at achieving the two-state solution.

He also warned of Israel’s unacceptable actions to liquidate the Palestinian refugee issue and reiterated that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) remains irreplaceable in providing essential services to millions of Palestinian refugees.

Taha highlighted the urgent challenges facing the Palestinian cause, including ongoing occupation, settlement expansion, daily crimes, annexation efforts, and forced displacement by Israel.

He condemned Israeli attempts to Judaize Al-Quds and violate its sacred sites, along with the siege, starvation, mass arrests, and destruction of Palestinian cities, camps, infrastructure, and homes.

He called for immediate international action to achieve a sustainable ceasefire, complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces, the delivery of humanitarian aid, and the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes.

He emphasized the necessity of enabling the Palestinian government to fulfill its responsibilities and preserving the unity of Palestinian territories, including Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.

OIC extraordinary session on Gaza

The Iranian Foreign Ministry's proposal to convene an emergency meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers to address the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza has reportedly gained significant support.

According to a report by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), citing an informed source within Iran's Foreign Ministry, the session is expected in the first half of March, following extensive diplomatic efforts by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

The proposal, formally submitted to the OIC Secretary General, followed a series of recent consultations between Araghchi and his counterparts in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Algeria, Turkey, Pakistan, Malaysia, and Gambia, as well as the current OIC chair.

The discussions focused on possible measures against controversial US-Israeli plans to relocate Gazans to countries such as Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.

Araghchi has repeatedly condemned these proposals, warning that they would "complete the colonial erasure of Palestine."

He urged unified action to thwart this "conspiracy" against Palestinian rights.

“The US-Zionist plan to forcibly expel Gazans and scatter them across other nations is a blatant attempt to destroy Palestinian identity," Araghchi stated.

He further noted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent suggestion of establishing a Palestinian state on Saudi territory was an "unprecedented aggression" and a "threat to regional peace and security."

Indirectly referencing Netanyahu’s remarks, Araghchi emphasized the need for the OIC to adopt "urgent measures" to prevent the normalization of "genocidal policies" by the Israeli regime.

He stressed that the international community, particularly Muslim-majority nations, must oppose efforts to legitimize violations of international law.

“The Organization of Islamic Cooperation must take a decisive and effective decision as soon as possible by holding an extraordinary meeting with the presence of the foreign ministers of the member states to defend the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people,” Iran's top diplomat said in a phone call with OIC Secretary General Hussein Ibrahim Taha.

US President Donald Trump recently proposed that Washington take “ownership” of the Gaza Strip and transform it into a tourism hub, permanently displacing the Palestinian inhabitants.

“We’ll own it [Gaza] and be responsible for clearing it out and rebuilding it into the Riviera of the Middle East [West Asia],” Trump said during a news conference with Israel’s convicted war criminal Benjamin Netanyahu.

Later, while sitting next to Jordan’s King in the Oval Office, Trump refused to elaborate on how he would proceed with his plan, given the opposition from both the residents of Gaza and the countries to which he plans to relocate the population of over 2 million. He said the US would just “take” the territory.

The US president's statements have ignited international outrage, with rights and legal bodies accusing him of helping Israel complete the genocide it could not finish during 16 months of brutal war on Gaza.

 

Saudi Arabia: Unwavering stance on Palestine

Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its unwavering and non-negotiable stance on the establishment of a Palestinian state, emphasizing that its position remains steadfast and is not subject to political bargaining.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that the Kingdom's commitment to Palestinian statehood is deeply rooted and unshakable.

"This firm stance was explicitly affirmed by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman during his address at the opening of the first year of the ninth session of the Shoura Council on September 18, 2024. In his speech, the Crown Prince made it clear that Saudi Arabia will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel unless an independent Palestinian state is established, with East Jerusalem as its capital."

The statement further highlighted that the Crown Prince reiterated this position at the Arab-Islamic Summit held in Riyadh on November 11, 2024. During the summit, he emphasized the urgent need to establish a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, end Israeli occupation, and mobilize the international community in support of Palestinian rights. He also called on more nations to recognize Palestine and underscored the significance of securing full United Nations membership for the Palestinian state, as reflected in UN General Assembly resolutions.

Saudi Arabia also firmly rejected any actions that undermine Palestinian rights, including Israeli settlement expansion, land annexation, and any attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians from their homeland.

The Kingdom called on the international community to take decisive action to alleviate the dire humanitarian conditions faced by the Palestinian people, who continue to stand resilient in defense of their land and rights.

The Kingdom reiterated that its stance is not open for negotiation or political bargaining. It stressed that a just and lasting peace cannot be achieved without ensuring the Palestinian people receive their full legitimate rights under international resolutions, a position Saudi Arabia has made clear to both the previous and current U.S. administrations.

 

Arabs reject displacement of Gazans

Amid rising concerns over the potential forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, the six-party Arab ministerial meeting in Cairo reaffirmed its categorical rejection of any such move and emphasized the need for the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement, reports Saudi Gazette.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the ministers reiterated their commitment to working with US President Donald Trump’s administration to achieve a two-state solution, stressing the importance of a sustainable ceasefire that ensures the safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to all parts of Gaza.

The meeting also underscored support for ongoing mediation efforts led by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to ensure the phased execution of the ceasefire agreement and the eventual achievement of full de-escalation.

Ministers called for the removal of all obstacles hindering entry of humanitarian relief, shelter supplies, and essential materials needed for Gaza's recovery and reconstruction.

Additionally, the ministers rejected any attempts to limit the role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), stressing the urgent need for a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza.

They urged the international community and the UN Security Council to uphold the two-state solution and dismissed any plans to divide the Gaza Strip, reiterating the necessity of an Israeli withdrawal.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the Cairo discussions focused on ensuring the continuation of the ceasefire, strengthening the Palestinian Authority’s governance capabilities, facilitating the safe return of displaced residents to their homes, and increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza.

This high-level meeting came just days after President Trump proposed relocating Palestinians from Gaza to neighboring countries, such as Egypt and Jordan, a suggestion that was swiftly rejected by both nations and met with opposition from various Arab and international actors.

The discussions also followed Israel’s recent decision to ban UNRWA operations in Israel and occupied East Jerusalem as of Thursday, a move that has been widely condemned as having "catastrophic consequences" for Palestinian refugees.

Attending the Cairo meeting were Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aty, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Also present were Hussein Al-Sheikh, Secretary-General of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Executive Committee, and Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

 

Saudi Arabia promises US$600 billion to Trump

Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told President Donald Trump that the kingdom wants to put US$600 billion into expanded investment and trade with the United States over the next four years, the Saudi State news agency said early on Thursday.

In a phone call between the two leaders, the crown prince said the Trump administration's expected reforms could create "unprecedented economic prosperity", the state news agency reported.

The report said Saudi Arabia wants its investments to capitalize on these conditions. It did not detail the source of the US$600 billion, whether it would be public or private spending nor how the money would be deployed.

The investment "could increase further if additional opportunities arise", the agency quoted Bin Salman as telling Trump.

Trump fostered close ties with Gulf states including Saudi Arabia during his first term. The country invested US$2 billion in a firm formed by Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and former aide, after Trump left office.

Trump said following his inauguration on Monday that he would consider making Saudi Arabia his first destination for a foreign visit if Riyadh agreed to buy US$500 billion worth of American products, similar to what he did in his first term.

"I did it with Saudi Arabia last time because they agreed to buy US$450 billion worth of our product. I said I'll do it but you have to buy American product, and they agreed to do that," Trump said, referring to his 2017 visit to the Gulf kingdom

 

 

Iran third largest oil producer of OPEC family

According to OPEC’s first report of 2025, Iran maintained its position as the organization’s third-largest oil producer in December 2024, with an average daily production of 3.314 million barrels.

Data from OPEC’s Secretariat revealed that the organization’s 12 member states produced a combined total of 26.741 million barrels per day (bpd) in December, marking an increase of 26,000 bpd from November.

Saudi Arabia and Iraq retained their positions as the top two producers, with daily outputs of 8.938 million barrels and 4.019 million barrels, respectively.

Production from OPEC Plus members, which includes OPEC countries and allied producers, reached 13.913 million bpd in December, a decrease of 40,000 bpd compared to the previous month.

Overall, the combined output of OPEC and its allies in December totalled 40.654 million bpd, slightly lower than November’s 40.669 million bpd.

Iran’s heavy crude oil price averaged US$73 per barrel in December 2024, reflecting 0.3% increase. For the entire year of 2024, the average price of Iran’s heavy crude stood at US$79.71 per barrel.

Meanwhile, the OPEC Reference Basket price averaged US$73.07 per barrel in December 2024, a 1.0%MoM increase.

OPEC’s January report forecasts that global oil demand will grow by 1.45 million bpd in 2025, reaching a total of 105.2 million bpd.

The organization also projects that global demand will rise by an additional 1.43 million bpd in 2026, bringing the total to 105.63 million bpd.

  

Saudi Arabia welcomes Gaza ceasefire

According to the Saudi Gazette, Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed the Kingdom's welcome of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, commending the efforts of Qatar, Egypt, and the United States in facilitating the deal.

Saudi Arabia emphasized the importance of adhering to the agreement, calling for an end to Israeli aggression in Gaza, the full withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the Gaza Strip and all Palestinian and Arab territories, and the return of displaced individuals to their homes.

The Kingdom further stressed the need to build on this agreement to address the root causes of the conflict.

It reaffirmed its support for the Palestinian people's rights, particularly their right to establish an independent state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Saudi Arabia expressed hope that this agreement would bring a permanent end to the brutal Israeli war, which has resulted in over 45,000 deaths and more than 100,000 injuries.

Earlier, Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman announced the success of mediators in reaching a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, noting that its implementation is set to begin this Sunday.

During a press conference in Doha, Sheikh Mohammed stated that the first phase of the agreement will last 42 days and include the release of 33 Israeli detainees in exchange for an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners.

He highlighted that Qatar, Egypt, and the United States “will work to ensure the implementation of the agreement,” with mechanisms in place to monitor its execution and address any potential violations.

The Qatari minister expressed his hope that “no military operations would be conducted during the period leading up to the implementation of the agreement.”

 

 

Lebanon: Army chief elected president

Lebanese parliament elected Army Chief Joseph Aoun head of state on Thursday, filling the vacant presidency with a general who has US support and showing the weakened sway of the Iran-backed Hezbollah group after its devastating war with Israel, reports Reuters.

In a speech to the chamber, Aoun, 60, vowed to work to ensure the state has the exclusive right to carry arms, drawing loud applause as lawmakers from Hezbollah, which runs its own military forces, sat still.

He promised to rebuild south Lebanon and other parts of the country he said had been destroyed by Israel, and also to prevent Israeli attacks on Lebanon, which was mired in deep economic and political crises even before the latest conflict. "Today, a new phase in the history of Lebanon begins," he said.

His election reflected shifts in the power balance in Lebanon and the wider Middle East, with Shi'ite Muslim Hezbollah badly pummeled from last year's war, and its Syrian ally Bashar al-Assad toppled in December 2024. It also indicated a revival of Saudi influence in a country where Riyadh's role was eclipsed by Iran and Hezbollah long ago.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar congratulated Lebanon, saying on X he hoped Aoun's election would contribute towards stability and good neighborly relations.

US ambassador Lisa Johnson, attending the session, told Reuters she was "very happy" with Aoun's election.

The presidency, reserved for a Maronite Christian in Lebanon's sectarian power-sharing system, has been vacant since Michel Aoun's term ended in October 2022, with deeply divided factions unable to agree on a candidate able to win enough votes in the 128-seat parliament.

Joseph Aoun fell short of the 86 votes needed in a first round vote, but crossed the threshold with 99 votes in a second round, after lawmakers from Hezbollah and its Shi'ite ally the Amal Movement backed him.

Hezbollah lawmaker Mohammed Raad said that by delaying their vote for Aoun, the group had "sent a message that we are the guardians of national consensus".

Momentum built behind Aoun on Wednesday as Hezbollah's long preferred candidate, Suleiman Frangieh, withdrew and declared support for the army commander, and as French and Saudi envoys shuttled around Beirut, urging his election in meetings with politicians, three Lebanese political sources said.

A source close to the Saudi royal court said French, Saudi, and US envoys had told Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a close Hezbollah ally that international financial assistance - including from Saudi Arabia - hinged on Aoun's election.

"There is a very clear message from the international community that they are ready to support Lebanon, but that needs a president, a government," Michel Mouawad, a Christian lawmaker opposed to Hezbollah who voted for Aoun, told Reuters.

"We did get a message from Saudi of support," he added.

The Saudi king and crown prince congratulated Aoun.

 

Saudi oil exports rise to 6.33 bpd

Saudi Arabia's crude oil exports witnessed a significant increase in December 2024, reaching about 6.33 million barrels per day (bpd), recording their highest level in nine months, reports Bloomberg.

The rise came after the OPEC Plus alliance agreed to postpone the start of easing planned production cuts until April, and slow the addition of supplies to the market.

According to tanker-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg, November 2024 export estimates were revised to 6.16 million bpd, compared with an initial estimate of 6.17 million bpd.

As against this, preliminary data from Kepler showed that Saudi oil exports in November 2024 were 6.06 million bpd, while Vortexa estimated flows at about 6.05 million bpd.

As per the agreement reached by energy ministers of OPEC Plus, current production targets have been extended until the end of 2026, with a slight increase gradually implemented starting in April for the UAE.

The first round of additional voluntary cuts has also been extended until the end of 2026. A plan to phase out a second set of voluntary cuts of about 2.2 million bpd has also been delayed three times so far, and is now set to start in April at a slower pace than previously agreed, with production restored over 18 months instead of the 12 months planned previously.

Syrian people must be aware of dangers

Ammar Hakim, leader of the Iraqi National Wisdom Movement, Saudi spoke on Friday at the ceremony marking the anniversary of the martyrdom of Ayatollah Sayyed Mohammad Baqir al-Hakim and the "Iraqi Martyr's Day" held at the martyr's shrine in Najaf Ashraf. He called on the Syrian people to be aware of the dangers.

He stressed the significance of fostering positive relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, asserting that their cooperation strengthens and dignifies the region.

He emphasized that cooperation between these two Muslim countries strengthens the region and should not be overlooked despite challenges. It is essential to support and foster constructive initiatives between them, aiming to establish long-term economic ties and shared interests through Iraq for the benefit of our nation and the wider Arab and Islamic world.

The current instability in the region, driven by repeated attacks from the Zionist regime on Lebanon and Gaza and threats to regional sovereignty, along with the complex situation in Syria, necessitates vigilance. Any shift in the balance of power will impact the challenges facing Iraq. As a central part of this region, we are at the heart of these complex challenges, the cleric emphasized.

Al-Hakim emphasized that Iraq's security and stability will not be compromised, and the nation will not return to a period of conflicts. He reiterated a zero-tolerance stance against anyone seeking to undermine Iraq's security and sovereignty. 

He cautioned against infiltrators and urged vigilance against those propagating misleading slogans that threaten Iraqi unity. The leader of the National Wisdom Movement stated that Iraq's foreign policy is based on non-interference and that its territory will not be used to threaten neighboring countries or the region.

"However, this does not imply that Iraq will remain passive regarding critical issues facing the Arab and Islamic world. Our nation will not tolerate oppression, and we will not stand by in the face of any aggression or humiliation," Hakim stated.

The leader of the Iraqi National Wisdom Movement emphasized the need to support the Syrian people and their country's independence. He stated that Iraq should welcome the Syrian people and urged them to recognize potential dangers while leveraging Iraq's political experience to build a strong, inclusive government.

Hakim emphasized the importance of ongoing support for Palestine, stating that the Palestinian issue will always be a priority for Iraqis. He affirmed the commitment to the Palestinian people's right to their land, which was taken by the Zionist occupying regime.