Iran: Peace in its neighborhood

On the sidelines of the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian held talks with several high-ranking officials from around the world, to discuss various regional and international issues.

During a meeting with Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan, Amir Abdollahian stated that Tehran is an advocate of peace in the Caucasus region. 

Referring to his recent trip to Yerevan and his meetings and discussions with the Armenian foreign minister and the secretary of the country’s National Security Council, the Iranian foreign minister said, “Armenia has a significant place in Iran’s neighborhood policy.”

Amir Abdollahian pointed out that the ties between the two countries are strong, saying the bilateral ties are advancing. He said boosting the ties would serve the interests of both nations.

The Iranian foreign minister highlighted the importance of preserving the security and stability in the Caucasus region and said Iran has always supported the peace talks between the Republic of Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Amir Abdollahian held an extensive meeting with his Georgian counterpart Ilia Darchiashvili.

Expressing his satisfaction with the meeting, the Iranian foreign minister hailed the old and strong relations between the officials and people of both countries.

Amir Abdollahian said the promotion of ties with Georgia is one of Iran’s priorities and further stated that Tehran cares about the security in the Caucasus and Georgia.

He sounded upbeat that the relations between the two countries would be developed without any restrictions.

The Iranian foreign minister underlined the necessity to rely on regional solutions for the problems in the region, explaining that the security issues of the region are tied and related to each other.

Another person the Iranian diplomat convened with was Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan.

In the meeting, Amir Abdollahian and bin Farhan exchanged views over bilateral issues such as economic and trade cooperation.

The two top diplomats also discussed other issues of mutual interest such as Palestine’s developments and the latest state of the war in Gaza.

The Iranian foreign minister outlined the developments in Gaza and the crimes of the Zionist regime with US support, stressing Iran's support for efforts to prevent the expansion of the war and for the restoration of stability and peace in the region.

Amir Abdollahian also referred to Iran's efforts to dispel some concerns in the region and the world, including Iran's efforts to put in place mechanisms to ensure energy security.

 

Saudi Arabia urges restraint after US and UK target Yemen

Saudi Arabia is closely monitoring with deep concern the ongoing military operations in the Red Sea region after the United States and Britain carried out massive air strikes in Yemen, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported Friday.

"The Kingdom underscores the critical importance of maintaining security and stability in the Red Sea area, which is internationally recognized for its strategic significance in global navigation, directly impacting the interests of the entire world."

In light of the ongoing regional events, Saudi Arabia called for restraint and urged all parties involved to avoid any escalation, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution to maintain the area's stability and security.

United States and British militaries bombed more than a dozen sites in Yemen on Thursday, in a massive retaliatory strike using warship- and submarine-launched Tomahawk missiles and fighter jets, US officials said.

The military targets included air defense and coastal radar sites, drone and missile storages and launching pads.

US President Joe Biden stated that the air strikes were to demonstrate that the US and its allies “will not tolerate” the militant group’s continuous attacks in the Red Sea. He clarified that the decision was made after diplomatic negotiations and careful deliberations.

“These strikes are in direct response to unprecedented Houthi attacks against international maritime vessels in the Red Sea — including the use of anti-ship ballistic missiles for the first time in history,” Biden said.

He said these attacks endangered US personnel and civilian mariners and jeopardized trade. “I will not hesitate to direct further measures to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce as necessary," he added.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak noted that the Royal Air Force conducted targeted strikes against military facilities used by the Houthis. The Defense Ministry revealed that four fighter jets based in Cyprus participated in the strikes.

Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry has refuted rumors regarding the presence of foreign forces at King Fahd Air Base in Taif. Brigadier General Turki Al-Maliki, the ministry’s spokesperson, said these rumors were false, Al Arabiya reported early on Friday.

Ali al-Qahoum, a high-ranking Houthi official, vowed retaliation, stating, “The battle will be bigger... and beyond the imagination and expectation of the Americans and the British.”

Al-Masirah, a Houthi-run satellite news channel, reported strikes hitting various strategic locations, including the Al-Dailami Air Base north of Sanaa, the airport in the port city of Hodeida, a camp east of Saada, the airport in the city of Taiz, and an airport near Hajjah.

United States adamant at stopping ships entering Red Sea

After the latest attacks at Yemen on Saturday, it has become evident that United States and its allies, particularly Britain, are adamant at stopping ships passing through Red Sea. The strikes at Yemen are aimed at opening a new front in the Middle East and take attention away from ongoing genocide in Gaza by Israel.

It is necessary to understand why United States is targeting Yemen. For a long time US has fought a proxy war in Yemen. After the resumption of diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran and Saudi refusal to join the US-led naval force, United States wants to target Yemen.

It may be recalled that ships had resumed journey through Red Sea, which was not appreciated by United States. Therefore, it raised false flag of attacks on ships by Houthis to create a justification of attacks on Yemen.

Readers can recall the US hoax call of presence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq to pave way for attack on the country. Even at that time British Prime Minister, Toney Blair was the mouthpiece of US President George Bush.

 According to Associated Press (AP), the US military early Saturday struck another Houthi-controlled site in Yemen that it had determined was putting commercial vessels in the Red Sea at risk.

The latest strike came after the US Navy on Friday warned American-flagged vessels to steer clear of areas around Yemen in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden for the next 72 hours after the initial airstrikes.

The warning came as Yemen’s Houthis vowed fierce retaliation, further raising the prospect of a wider conflict in a region already beset by Israel’s war in Gaza.

 “We will make sure that we respond to the Houthis if they continue this outrageous behavior along with our allies,” Biden told reporters during a stop in Emmaus, Pennsylvania.

Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia join BRICS

South Africa’s representative in the BRICS group of emerging economies, Anil Sooklal, has stated that Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Ethiopia join the bloc on January 01, 2024.

At the recent BRICS meeting, which took place in Durban, South Africa, early in December, Sooklal underlined —referring to the attendance of high-ranking representatives of Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Ethiopia— that the number of BRICS members will double with the addition of these nations.

He went on to add that the next conference of the economic group is scheduled for January 30, 2024 in Moscow, and it is expected that representatives of the new BRICS members will be there.

In a recent interview with Sputnik, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Ali Bagheri Kani, emphasized Iran's commitment, alongside other BRICS members, to actively pursue de-dollarization across various economic sectors.

Bagheri Kani highlighted the focus on trade, economic collaborations, and financial exchanges within this influential coalition of major economies. 

He emphasized ongoing initiatives and expressed optimism about reinforcing these efforts to swiftly achieve their objectives.

Bagheri Kani underscored the importance of collaborative efforts, signaling a unified commitment within BRICS to reducing dependency on the dollar.

He clarified that the initiatives aim to establish a framework fostering economic autonomy and resilience among member nations.

The BRICS group, initially comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, established in 2009, has emerged as a significant force shaping global economic discussions. 

Iran, alongside Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, has received an invitation to join this influential bloc. Their anticipated full membership, official from January 01, 2024, marks a substantial shift in the geopolitical landscape.

Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister, Sergey Ryabkov, provided insights into BRICS countries accelerating the transition to national currencies. 

This strategic shift aligns with the shared vision of establishing a more balanced and resilient global economic framework, reducing vulnerabilities associated with a singular currency.

BRICS has announced plans to introduce a gold-backed currency for settling international trade payments, challenging the global reserve status of the US dollar. This decision adds momentum to the ongoing de-dollarization trend unfolding in the global economy.

Iran's active involvement in the BRICS initiative toward de-dollarization aligns with a broader trend among influential nations reshaping the global economic landscape.

As BRICS evolves, its concerted efforts toward economic autonomy become increasingly significant in shaping the future of international trade and finance.

Saudi Arabia A Year of Strategic Alliances

In 2023, Saudi Arabia emerged as a pivotal diplomatic player on the world stage, marking a year of strategic alignments and hosting a series of significant global summits.

This remarkable ascendancy in international diplomacy was not only a testament to the Kingdom's growing geopolitical influence but also signaled a new era in its foreign policy approach.

The year saw Saudi Arabia navigate complex regional and international terrains with adeptness and agility, showcasing its capacity to manage crises and foster dialogue across a spectrum of global issues.

From orchestrating large-scale evacuations in conflict zones to brokering historic diplomatic reconciliations, the actions of Kingdom were marked by a combination of strategic foresight and diplomatic finesse.

Amidst a landscape of shifting alliances and emerging challenges, Saudi Arabia's role as a convener of critical discussions and a mediator in international disputes underscored its commitment to stability and cooperation.

As the world witnessed the unfolding of these diplomatic endeavors, the Kingdom solidified its position as a central player in shaping the global agenda.

Throughout the months of the year, the Kingdom hosted several significant international summits.

In August, Jeddah hosted a meeting concerning the Ukrainian crisis, attended by national security advisors from around 40 countries.

Then in October, a historic first summit took place between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

In response to the developments in Gaza, an extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit was convened in Riyadh in November to address the Israeli aggression.

This was followed by a Saudi-African summit and the year concluded with a Saudi-Russian summit after Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Riyadh.

Saudi-Iranian Relations Resumed

On March 10, Saudi Arabia and Iran announced the resumption of diplomatic ties, with a plan to reopen embassies and diplomatic missions within 60 days, following Chinese-brokered talks.

The tripartite statement stressed the importance of respecting state sovereignty and non-interference in internal matters.

The embassies were officially reopened later in the year, and in November, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi visited Saudi Arabia for the first time since the resumption of relations to participate in the Arab-Islamic summit about Gaza.

Saudi Evacuation Efforts in Sudan

In April, as the situation in Sudan abruptly escalated, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia mobilized its naval fleet in a globally lauded initiative.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the evacuation of over 5,000 people from 100 countries, including 184 Saudis, amid clashes between the Sudanese army and Rapid Support Forces. This was described as one of the largest successful evacuation operations globally.

Gulf and Central Asia Summit

In a continuation of strategic and political dialogues, Jeddah hosted a summit in July for leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the five Central Asian countries.

The summit emphasized enhancing strategic dialogue and political cooperation between the two sides, fostering partnerships in various fields including political and security dialogue, economic and investment cooperation, and promoting people-to-people exchanges.

Jeddah Meeting on the Ukrainian Crisis

Jeddah hosted peace talks concerning the Ukrainian crisis in August. The meeting, chaired by Dr. Musaed Al-Aiban, a member of the Saudi Cabinet and National Security Advisor, was attended by national security advisors from about 30 countries.

Gulf and ASEAN Summit

In a historic first, leaders of 16 Gulf and Asian countries met in Riyadh in October. A joint action plan for 2024-2028 was initiated to map a clear road map and enhance cooperation and partnership in various fields, serving the shared interests of both regions.

Saudi-African Summit

Continuing its active foreign policy, Saudi Arabia hosted a Saudi-African summit in Riyadh in November.

The summit concluded with both sides committing to developing cooperation and partnership in development and laying foundations for continental integration for a sustainable future.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and Prime Minister, announced the launch of the King Salman Development Initiative in Africa during the summit, aiming to establish developmental projects and programs across the continent valued at over one billion dollars over ten years.

Extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit

Due to the severity of the situation following Israeli aggression on Gaza, Saudi Arabia called for an extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh in November.

More than 57 countries participated in the summit, which concluded with significant decisions, including breaking the Israeli blockade on Gaza and emphasizing the need to stop the war and end the occupation.

Saudi-Caribbean Summit

Riyadh also hosted its first summit with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in November. The summit aimed to enhance partnerships in economics, investment, trade, energy, tourism, and other areas in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

A joint Saudi-Caribbean statement was issued, emphasizing mutual interests and friendly relations, exploring ways to expand and develop partnerships, including in education, health, maritime cooperation, communications, logistics, food security, energy security, and the tourism economy.

Saudi-Russian Summit

Before the end of 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Saudi Arabia, meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. The talks focused on mutual interests and issues concerning both countries, the Middle East, and the world.

The two countries emphasized the necessity of halting military operations in Palestinian territories and agreed that security and stability in Palestine could only be achieved through the implementation of international resolutions pertaining to a two-state solution.

They also agreed to enhance defense and security cooperation and commended the close cooperation within OPEC for stabilizing global oil markets.

Courtesy: Saudi Gazette

Gold discovered in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia announced on Thursday the discovery of large potential gold resources along a 100km stretch south of its existing Mansourah Massarah gold mine in Al Khurmah governorate in the Makkah region, reports Saudi Gazette.

Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) said that it had discovered multiple gold deposits, indicating the potential to expand gold mining in the area. The mining giant said in a statement that this is the first discovery under the company’s extensive exploration program launched in 2022 and it aims to build a metal production line.

Encouraging drill results from multiple sites on Uruq South, along a 100km stretch south of Mansourah Massarah, have uncovered similar geological characteristics and chemistry to the Mansourah Massarah deposit.

Samples taken indicated the presence of high grade gold deposits of 10.4 grams per ton (g/t) gold and 20.6 g/t gold in two random drilling sites 400 meters from and under Mansourah Massarah, meaning a high density of gold was found in the ore tested from those locations. In light of these results, Maaden planned an aggressive escalation of planned drilling activities in 2024 around Mansourah Massarah.

Maaden has continued to expand its exploration footprint in the Jabal al-Ghadara and Bir al-Tawila prospects, 25 km north of Mansourah Massarah, where the company is transferring inferred resources amounting to 1.5 million ounces for measurement.

In combination, these positive drilling results have identified a potential 125 km strike with significant potential to become a major world-class gold belt in Saudi Arabia.

The near-mine drilling results around Mansourah Massarah indicate that the resource is open both at depth and along the strike, offering significant potential to expand resources at the mine and, potentially, extend the mine life with underground development. Mansourah Massarah had stated gold resources of almost seven million ounces at year-end 2023 and a nameplate production capacity of 250,000 ounces a year.

Robert Wilt, CEO of Maaden, said that these discoveries have the potential to be the center of the world’s next gold rush and are a strong part of our growth strategy.

“These discoveries are a significant demonstration of the untapped potential of mineral resources in Saudi Arabia, supporting the diversification of the country in line with Vision 2030 and establishing mining as the third pillar of the Saudi economy,” he pointed out.

Maaden is 67 percent owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the Kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund, and the largest miner in the Gulf. In January 2023, it announced Manara Minerals, a joint venture with PIF, to invest in mining assets abroad.

It is noteworthy that Mansourah Massarah is the newest, the largest, and the most technologically advanced gold mine in Saudi Arabia. It produced 11,982.84 ounce of gold in 2022.

The mine consists of the Mansourah Massarah resources, which are being developed as conventional open-pit mines. The plant employs Carbon-In-Leach and Pressure Oxidation Processes and autoclave technologies for ore gold production. This mine is equipped with cutting-edge mining, processing, and environmental sustainability technologies.

Saudi Arabia and UAE not present in US led Naval Coalition

Saudi Arabia's name was conspicuously - perhaps surprisingly - absent from a list of countries the United States announced as part of its new naval coalition protecting Red Sea shipping from Yemen's Houthi group.

Although it has a US-equipped military, has been waging war on the Houthis for nearly nine years and relies on Red Sea ports for 36% of imports, Saudi Arabia along with Gulf ally the United Arab Emirates has proclaimed no interest in the venture.

The main reason for its absence appears to be a concern that participating would detract from a long-term strategic goal ‑ extricating itself from a messy war in Yemen and a destructive feud with the Houthis' principal backer Iran.

Houthis, who control much of Yemen, have been striking at ships in the Red Sea for weeks in response to Israel's war with the Palestinian Hamas group in Gaza.

Whether their attacks are having much direct impact on Israel - shipping companies say several targeted vessels were not headed there - their campaign has hit Israel's Western allies by complicating global trade. On Wednesday their leader threatened to expand this campaign to US naval vessels.

US officials have avoided saying outright that the two countries will not take part, and spokespeople for both the Saudi and Emirati governments did not respond to Reuters requests for comment on the matter.

Both the countries want to avoid being seen as participants in a campaign that could upset their long-term regional strategy - and turn Arab anger over Gaza against them.

It appears that Saudi and Emirati absence was because they wanted to avoid escalating tensions with Iran or jeopardizing the peace push in Yemen by joining any naval action.

"Another war would mean moving from the political process into another military one that would really mess up the geopolitical map of the Middle East right now," said Eyad Alrefai of King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah.

Spurred partly by worry about long-term US commitment, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have for years tried to reorient their regional policy, seeking new partners, taking a fresh look at ties with Israel and settling the rivalry with Iran.

The biggest steps in that process so far were the Chinese-mediated detente agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran in February and the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and the UAE in 2020.

But the Saudis also want to end their nearly 9-year-old war in Yemen, which has become a draining stalemate that has damaged their reputations and brought insecurity through Houthi drone attacks on airports and energy plants.

Peace in Yemen is important for the UAE too, even though it largely pulled out its forces in 2020. It still backs groups in Yemen and the Houthis targeted its capital Abu Dhabi with drone and missile attacks last year.

 

Saudi Arabia and Iran reaffirm full commitment to implement Beijing agreement

Saudi Arabia and Iran have reaffirmed their full commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement, reports Saudi Gazette.

The first meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian Tripartite Committee concluded in Beijing on Friday. The meeting was held to follow up on the Beijing Agreement, under the chairmanship of Deng Li, the Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister. The Saudi delegation was led by Waleed Al-Khereiji, Deputy Foreign Minister, and the Iranian delegation by Dr. Ali Bagheri Kani, Deputy Foreign Minister.

The meeting reviewed the positive outcomes in the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Iran in light of the Beijing Agreement, which was brokered by China last March. This included reopening embassies in Riyadh and Tehran, and the reciprocal visits and meetings of the two countries' foreign ministers.

Both Saudi Arabia and Iran expressed appreciation for China's significant role in this process and hosting the meeting.

The Chinese side confirmed its readiness to continue playing a constructive role and supporting Saudi and Iranian efforts to further enhance relations.

The three parties discussed various aspects of tripartite cooperation. They also expressed concern about the ongoing situation in the Gaza Strip as a threat to regional and international peace and security, emphasizing the need for an immediate cessation of military operations in Gaza, sustainable relief for civilians, and opposing the forced displacement of Palestinians. They agreed that any arrangement regarding the future of Palestine must reflect the will of the Palestinian people, supporting their right to establish their own state and determine their destiny.

The participants agreed to continue the meetings of the tripartite committee, with the next meeting scheduled for June 2024 in Saudi Arabia, following a gracious invitation from the Kingdom.

Saudia and Iran share same stance on Gaza

Saudi Arabian foreign minister has stated that the kingdom shares Iran’s position over the Gaza issue and that further international efforts are needed to put a stop to Israel’s assault on the Palestinian people.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian and his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud held a meeting on the sidelines of the Global Refugee Forum (GRF) in Geneva on Wednesday.

During their discussion, the two senior diplomats talked about a variety of bilateral, regional, and global topics, with a focus on finding a solution to stop the Zionist regime’s attacks on Gaza.

Saudi Arabia, according to Bin Farhan, agrees with Iran on the need of supporting the Palestinian people, establishing a prompt truce in Gaza, and delivering humanitarian relief to the beleaguered enclave.

The Saudi minister praised the improving relations between Riyadh and Tehran, calling them on the right track, and stated that his nation supports the growth of political and economic cooperation with Iran.

He called for the fulfillment of the accords, hailing the two countries’ cooperation agreements as a strong point.

Amir Abdollahian expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for hosting the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit to discuss the Gaza conflict.

He also condemned the ongoing war crimes and genocide committed by the Israeli regime in Gaza and the West Bank, calling for concerted efforts from Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the other Muslim and regional states to put pressure on the United States and Zionist regime to guarantee an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and provide humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people.

Amir Abdollahian and his Lebanese counterpart Abdallah Bou Habib held a meeting on the sidelines of the GRF in Switzerland on Tuesday.

The foreign minister of Iran issued a warning, stating that if the Zionist regime’s military attacks on Gaza continue, it could escalate tensions and lead to a regional explosion.

“Iran and Lebanon are on the same front, and Iran only wants the best interests of the Lebanese government, nation, and resistance front,” Amir Abdollahian said, praising the ongoing discussions on a range of bilateral and regional issues between Tehran and Beirut.

Touching on the critical circumstances in Palestine, the senior Iranian diplomat said, “It is necessary that the United States put an end to its unlimited support for the Zionist regime and its war crimes against the Palestinian nation.” 

“Lebanon has always been one of the key pillars of anti-Zionist resistance in the region,” Amir Abdollahian continued, emphasizing the necessity for joint efforts to stop the Zionists’ genocide in Palestine.

Lebanese foreign minister expressed satisfaction with the meeting with his Iranian counterpart, stating that “consultations between the two sides have always been fruitful and constructive.”

Bou Habib also spoke on the situation in Lebanon, namely the situation along the country’s southern borders with territories under occupation. 

Iran’s foreign minister asserted that in order to make up for the Zionist regime’s inability to crush the Palestinian resistance groups, the US administration is orchestrating political schemes for the Gaza Strip’s post-war destiny.

Amir Abdollahian emphasized the need for Islamic countries to resolutely stand with Palestine in opposition to the Zionist regime’s ongoing war crimes and brutal attacks in Gaza and the West Bank. 

He further highlighted the blow to the Zionist regime’s dignity on October 07 and its inability to produce meaningful results despite committing heinous war crimes against Palestinian citizens over the last two months.

Ammar, for his part, underlined the need of working together to raise relations to a higher level.

He also advocated for more effective measures to strengthen relationships, notably in the economic and commercial domains, in line with their political ties.

The Tunisian foreign minister praised Iran for its constant support for Palestine, saying, “In Tunisia, we ardently support the cause of Palestine, firmly believing that killing the Palestinian nation will not lead to any gains.”

 

Saudi Arabia improves score in UNCTAD Liner Shipping Connectivity Index

In a significant development that aligns with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS), Saudi Arabia has solidified its competitiveness and global standing.

The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) attained its highest improvement in UNCTAD's Liner Shipping Connectivity Index (LSCI) for Q4 2023, securing a remarkable score of 79.01 points. This achievement adds to the recent major records, including a score of 77.66 during Q3.

Several factors contributed to this accomplishment. In 2023, 28 new cargo services were added in collaboration with leading shipping liners.

The Kingdom also made significant progress in container handling, rising from the 24th position to the 16th position in the Lloyd's List One Hundred Ports rankings.

Saudi Arabia jumped 17 places in the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index (LPI) to secure the 38th position out of 160 countries.

Mawani's success can be attributed to its continuous infrastructure upgrades and modernization efforts. The optimization of operations, implementation of initiatives to automate port operations, and deployment of cutting-edge equipment align with their mission to adopt smart technologies.

Furthermore, Mawani's commitment to facilitating import and export procedures has promoted national exports and fostered global maritime trade, ultimately reducing the cost of port operations.

The Liner Shipping Connectivity Index (LSCI) aims to enhance global port connectivity and increase the number of shipping lines.

It achieves this by considering various sub-indicators such as the frequency of scheduled vessel visits per week, standardized ship capacity, and the availability of regular service routes provided by shipping lines for inbound and outbound transportation. These indicators evaluate the level of connectivity between ports across different countries and their associated shipping line networks.

 

 

Saudi Aramco acquires stake in Pakistani company

Reportedly, Saudi Aramco has acquired a 40% stake in Gas & Oil Pakistan (GO Petroleum). This is the second major development in Pakistan’s oil marketing space this year - both led by Saudi Arabia - with Wafi Energy earlier entering into a share purchase agreement to buy Shell Pakistan (SHEL PA).

Incorporated in 2015, GO Petroleum retails fuels and lubricants, backed by about 1,100 outlets and a storage capacity of 200,000 tons. It is the 2nd largest oil marketing company in Pakistan in terms of retail outlets. However, its market share has fluctuated between 6 to 8 percent in the last three years, making it smaller than SHEL and APL. The industry leader remains PSO (enjoying market share of 50%).  

Although, pricing details have not been divulged as yet, according to Pakistan’s leading brokerage house, Intermarket Securities the assessed intrinsic value of US$200 million for SHEL to tentatively price the GO deal.

Given GO’s smaller market share, including in the lubricants business and the lack of a brand value comparable to SHEL, the brokerage house takes the deal price between US$100 million to US$150 million.

A 40% stake at this valuation range translates to US$40 million to US$60 million.

The brokerage house estimates that Vitol Dubai has a 10% share in GO Petroleum but it is unclear at this point if this is part of the 40% stake being acquired by Aramco.

It is likely but not certain that Aramco will take over management rights.

The GO Petroleum deal will be Aramco’s first investment in Pakistan, and comes on the heels of its earlier moves to acquire Valvoline’s global operations and Chile’s Esmax Distribution SpA.

The GO Petroleum investment will likely be very small in comparison to these other overseas downstream ventures. This leads analysts to think it may well represent a testing of the waters, with Aramco reportedly also interested in setting up a mega refinery project in Pakistan.

If GO Petroleum expands rapidly it could eat into the existing market shares of competitors. At present, given its major presence on motorways and the North region, GO primarily competes with HASCOL and APL, while urban centers are dominated by PSO and SHEL.

A possible expansion into the South region will impact the latter two companies more.

 

Russia and Saudi Arabia urge all to join oil cuts

Saudi Arabia and Russia, the world's two biggest oil exporters, on Thursday called for all OPEC+ members to join an agreement on output cuts for the good of the global economy only days after a fractious meeting of the producers' club.

Hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin went to Riyadh in a hastily arranged visit to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Kremlin released a joint Russian-Saudi statement about the conclusion of their discussions.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Russia and other allies agreed last week to new voluntary cuts of about 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd), led by Saudi Arabia and Russia rolling over their voluntary cuts of 1.3 million bpd.

"In the field of energy, the two sides commended the close cooperation between them and the successful efforts of the OPEC+ countries in enhancing the stability of global oil markets," said the statement released by the Kremlin.

"They stressed the importance of continuing this cooperation, and the need for all participating countries to join to the OPEC+ agreement, in a way that serves the interests of producers and consumers and supports the growth of the global economy," the statement, which was in Russian, added.

The Russian version used the word join while an English translation of the statement, also released by the Kremlin, used the word adhere to the OPEC+ agreement.

Saudi state news agency SPA said that the crown prince, known as MbS, and Putin had emphasized in their meeting the need for OPEC+ members to commit to the group's agreement.

Oil market sources said that such an explicit public remark from the Kremlin and the kingdom about "joining" cuts appeared to be an attempt to send a message to members of the OPEC+ club who had not cut or not cut enough.

The biggest member of OPEC excluded from the cuts is Iran, the economy of which has been under various US sanctions since 1979 after the seizure of the US embassy in Tehran.

Iran is boosting production and hopes to reach output of 3.6 million bpd by March 20 next year.

After his return to Moscow from Saudi Arabia, Putin on Thursday held talks with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in the Kremlin, along with Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu.

Mystery still surrounds Putin's trip to Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, on which he was escorted by four Russian fighter jets, and it was not immediately clear what particular issue was so important for Putin to make a rare overseas trip.

The Kremlin said Putin and MbS also discussed the conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine and Yemen, the Iranian nuclear program and deepening defence cooperation.

MbS has sought to reassert Saudi Arabia as a regional power with less deference to the United States. Saudi Arabia is the biggest purchaser of US arms.

Putin, who sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022, says Russia is engaged in an existential battle with the West and has courted allies across the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia amid Western attempts to isolate Moscow.

"With regard to the crisis in Ukraine, the Russian side expressed appreciation for the humanitarian and political efforts undertaken by His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman," the joint statement said.

Putin and MbS, who together control a fifth of the oil pumped each day, were shown smiling and engaging in an effusive handshake as Putin emerged from his car in the Saudi capital.

Both MbS and Putin want and need high prices for oil, the lifeblood of their economies. The question for both is how much of the burden each should take on to keep prices aloft, and how to verify the burden.

At the talks with MbS, Putin said that a planned visit by the prince to Russia had been changed at the last minute, prompting him to visit Riyadh.

"We awaited you in Moscow," Putin told MbS with a smile.

"I know that events forced a correction to those plans, but as I have already said, nothing can prevent the development of our friendly relations."

Putin then said: "But the next meeting should be in Moscow."

The crown prince said through a Russian translator that he was ready to do that.

"Then we are agreed," Putin said.

 

 

Putin arrives Saudi Arabia to meet Mohammad

Russian President Vladimir Putin will travel to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a rare trip abroad to discuss oil production, OPEC Plus and the wars in the Gaza Strip and Ukraine.

Putin's meeting with the prince, known as MbS, comes after oil prices fell despite a pledge by OPEC Plus, which groups the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies led by Russia, to further cut output.

Putin arrived in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday for talks President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi. He is due to then travel to Saudi Arabia for his first face-to-face meeting with MbS since October 2019.

The Kremlin said they would discuss energy cooperation, including as part of OPEC Plus, whose members pump more than 40% of the world's oil.

"Close Russian-Saudi coordination in this format is a reliable guarantee of maintaining a stable and predictable situation in the global oil market," the Kremlin said.

The Kremlin's chief's last visit to the region was in July 2022, when he met Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Iran.

It was not immediately clear what Putin, who has rarely left Russia since the start of the Ukraine war, intends to discuss with the crown prince of the world's largest oil exporter, just days after disagreements delayed a key OPEC Plus meeting.

They will also discuss the war between Israel and Hamas militants, the situation in Syria and Yemen, and broader issues like ensuring stability in the Gulf, the Kremlin said. A Kremlin aide said Ukraine would also be discussed.

Putin will host Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Moscow on Thursday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Putin and MbS, who together control one-fifth of the oil pumped each day, have long enjoyed close relations, though both have at times been ostracised by the West.

At a G20 summit in 2018, just two month after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in a Saudi consulate, Putin and MbS high-fived and shook hands with smiles.

MbS, 38, has sought to reassert Saudi Arabia as a regional power with less deference to the United States, which supplies Riyadh most of its weapons and which is the world's top producer of oil.

Putin, who sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022, says Russia is engaged in an existential battle with the West - and has courted allies across the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia amid Western attempts to isolate Moscow.

Both MbS and Putin, 71, want and need high prices for oil - the lifeblood of their economies. The question for both, is how much of the burden each should take on to keep prices aloft - and how to verify the burden.

OPEC Plus last month delayed its meeting by several days due to disagreements over production levels by some members. Saudi's energy minister said OPEC Plus also wanted more assurances from Moscow it would do good on its pledge to reduce fuel exports.

Relations between Saudi and Russia in OPEC Plus have at times been uneasy and a deal on cuts almost broke down in March 2020, when the markets were already shaken by the onset of the COVID pandemic.

But the two nations managed to patch up their relations within weeks and OPEC Plus agreed to record cuts of almost 10% of global oil demand, to prop up the oil markets.

Since war broke out between Israel and Hamas on October 07, Putin has cast the conflict as a failure of US policy in the Middle East and has fostered ties with Arab allies and Iran, as well as with Hamas.

When Russia intervened in the Syrian Civil War in 2015, it helped tip the balance in Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad's favour, ensuring the Syrian leader's survival despite Western demands that he be toppled.

"The Kremlin seeks to build its line of behaviour taking into account the opinions of the main regional players - Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Iran, who are not just observers, but also, in a sense, participants in the situation," Andrey Kortunov of the Russian International Affairs Council think tank told the Vedomosti newspaper.

 

Palestinian Red Crescent thanks Saudi Arabia

The Executive Director of Palestinian Red Crescent Dr. Bashar Murad thanked Saudi Arabia, represented by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), for its humanitarian role in providing relief to the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Dr. Murad explained that there were many violations against hospitals and health centers carried out during the current crisis that the Gaza Strip is going through, in addition to the direct targeting of ambulances.

As a result of these attacks, more than 30 ambulances have been out of service so far, in addition to facing difficulty in transporting casualties, he said.

The executive director indicated that they had received a group of ambulances provided by Saudi Arabia, represented by KSrelief, to support the ambulance fleet in Gaza.

As for the Saudi aid that was sent to the Gaza Strip, which included various food, medical, and shelter materials, Dr. Murad confirmed that they sent it quickly to the neediest areas in the Strip.

He also added that they sent medical materials and supplies provided by the Kingdom to the Ministry of Health and hospitals working in the field to strengthen the health system in the southern regions of the Gaza Strip.

The executive director drew attention to the meetings held in Riyadh between representatives of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society and officials of the KSrelief to discuss the urgent needs for relief for the people of the Strip, especially the southern regions, noting that the number of displaced people there exceeded 1 million.

Dr. Murad praised the support provided via land and sea bridges by Saudi Arabia, which was offered through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center.

Iran-Saudi Arabia military cooperation

High ranking military officials from Saudi Arabia and Iran deliberated on proposals to strengthen military ties between the two Muslim nations. Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud and Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Hossein Bagheri discussed a number of topics over the phone on Thursday.

The Iranian Armed Forces are prepared to strengthen their military ties with Saudi Arabia, according to General Bagheri.

In addition, he praised Riyadh for convening an extraordinary session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) recently to discuss the Gaza issue and the strengthening of amicable ties between Tehran and Riyadh.

The Saudi minister of defense praised the efforts to strengthen military ties between the two countries.

The two dignatories also spoke about the urgent problems facing the Muslim world.

On November 01, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi arrived in the Saudi capital for a summit of Muslim and Arab leaders on the Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip.

This was the first visit by an Iranian president to Saudi Arabia since the resumption of diplomatic relations between Tehran and Riyadh under a Chinese-brokered agreement last March. 

Also, Raisi’s trip to Saudi Arabia was the first visit by an Iranian president to Saudi Arabia in 11 years. 

President Raisi spoke to reporters before leaving Tehran for Riyadh, saying the OIC summit should have not been a platform for declaring positions but instead, it should have resulted in actions on Gaza. 

Raisi called the holding of an emergency meeting of the OIC and reaching a fully operational and executive decision about Gaza the expectation of all the people of the world, especially the Islamic Ummah, according to the official website of the Iranian presidency. 

“This platform is not one for mere speech and announcement of positions, but must be a platform for action to quickly stop the bombings, lift the blockade of Gaza, and open the way to help the oppressed and authoritative people of this region, as well as to achieve the rights of the Palestinians, which was basically the main philosophy of the establishment of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation,” Raisi said.

He stated that the main purpose of his trip to Saudi Arabia was to participate in the emergency meeting of the OIC on the Palestinian issue.

Referring to the efforts of the Islamic Republic of Iran to hold this meeting immediately since the beginning of the Zionist regime's invasion of Gaza, he said, “The issue of Palestine is the main issue of the Islamic Ummah and the Muslims of the world, but it is also the issue of humanity and all the people of understanding and thinking all over the world who have taken to the streets in millions these days and they shout about the oppression of the Zionist regime and the support of the Americans for this genocide.”

President Raisi stated that the crimes committed by the Zionist regime in Gaza today are a clear example of war crimes and crimes against humanity, adding, “The Americans claim in their statements and messages that they are not looking to expand the domain of the war, while this claim is not compatible with their actions at all, because the fuel of the Zionist war machine is provided by the Americans.”

He described the US efforts to obstruct a ceasefire in Gaza at various meetings including at the UN Security Council as examples of the Americans lying about recent events. “Today the world should see the main face of the Americans, to see how, as stated by the Supreme Leader of the Revolution, they are the main supporter of crimes against the oppressed nations with good appearance and velvet hands,” he continued.

Iran and Saudi Arabia reached an agreement on March 10 to reestablish diplomatic ties and reopen embassies and missions following seven years of estrangement, following protracted discussions mediated by China.

The two reginal powerhouses have emphasized the need of respecting one another’s national sovereignty and abstaining from meddling in one another’s domestic affairs.

Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, the commander of the Iranian Navy, revealed intentions in June for several regional nations, notably Saudi Arabia and Iran, to join a new naval coalition in the northern Indian Ocean.

Later, in August, representatives from the two governments’ defense ministries came to an agreement to swap military attachés.

 

Saudi Arabia extends oil production cuts

The Ministry of Energy announced that Saudi Arabia plans to prolong its one million barrels per day voluntary production cut, initiated in July 2023, until the end of the first quarter in 2024.

This collaborative decision involves coordination with select OPEC Plus nations, maintaining the Kingdom's production at around 9 million barrels per day until March 2024.

“A phased return of these additional cut volumes will be executed, contingent upon market conditions, to bolster overall market stability,” an official source at the ministry said.

The announcement emphasized that this voluntary cut is an augmentation to the earlier disclosed 500 thousand barrels per day reduction, declared in April 2023, which is slated to persist until the culmination of December 2024.

The source underscored that this supplementary voluntary cut is part of the collective precautionary measures taken by OPEC Plus countries to fortify efforts aimed at upholding the stability and equilibrium of global oil markets.

 

BRICS an evidence of failure of Modi Doctrine

According to, Alan Paul Varghese, an independent foreign affairs and geopolitical analyst based in New Delhi, it became clear that India continues its alignment with the West and Israel.

At the BRICS Plus extraordinary meeting hosted by South Africa on the conflicts in West Asia, it became clear that India continues its alignment with the West and Israel. While most of the members reiterated how Israel’s settler colonialism is the root cause of the conflict, Indian external affairs minister S. Jaishankar stood firm on blaming Hamas. He also stated that there can be no compromise to terrorism.

The Modi doctrine of diplomacy for the past nine years has stagnated India’s internal reputation and aspirations. Narendra Modi had skipped the online meeting due to the election campaigns in poll-bound states.

Though the officials stated that Modi was preoccupied with the campaign schedules, it is obvious that the outcome of the extraordinary meeting was anticipated.

In a close examination of recent diplomatic events by India, one can categorically see how the Modi doctrine is failing to capture its promised achievements.

While the economy is trailing and seldom benefitted through trade agreements, the only resort of Narendra Modi and Jaishankar was their self-projection as the leader of the Global South.

It is noteworthy that the extraordinary meeting succeeded the Voice of Global South Summit which had references to ongoing genocide in Palestine.

BRICS Plus comprising of mostly countries from the global south has proved that India is isolated for its stand on the Israel-Palestine issue. This isolation has a serious impact on the future geo-political prospects of India.

In evaluating the BRICS extraordinary meeting Iran urged the members to cease economic and military interactions with Israel. Vladimir Putin who attended the meeting criticized the US monopolization of mediation efforts. He urged the international community to unite in an effort to achieve a speedy de-escalation and a ceasefire in Gaza, as well as a political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and added that the BRICS nations and regional actors could play a leading role in this process.

This can be a possible indication of Argentina’s disassociation from BRICS as Milie, a far-right economist is a proactive supporter of dollarizing the economy. 

Xi Jinping in his address said “The root cause of the Palestinian-Israeli situation is the fact that the right of the Palestinian people to statehood, their right to existence, and their right of return have long been ignored. It has been often reiterated that the only viable way to break the cycle of Palestinian-Israeli conflict lies in the two-state solution, in the restoration of the legitimate national rights of Palestine, and in the establishment of an independent State of Palestine. There can be no sustainable peace and security in the Middle East without a just solution to the question of Palestine. China calls for early convening of an international peace conference that is more authoritative to build international consensus for peace and work toward an early solution to the question of Palestine that is comprehensive, just, and sustainable.”

Saudi Arabia called for the cessation of arms and ammunition supplies to Israel.

Argentina’s newly elected President Javier Milie condemned Hamas and demanded that Israel must adhere to international humanitarian law.

India had three diplomatic events before this extraordinary meeting. The ICC World Cup, Voice of Global South Summit, and ministerial dialogue between India and Australia.

During the World Cup Modi tried for cricket diplomacy by inviting his counterparts of the UK and Australia. Though Rishi Sunak expressed his readiness, due to some reasons he didn’t make his presence.

A sideline discussion with Anthony Albanese prior to the 2+2 ministerial dialogue was expected to boost talks in favour of India. But Albanese prioritized the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit over his QUAD partner.

The core weakness of Modi doctrine – neglecting the neighbours was visible in the failed innings of cricket diplomacy. In the interview given to The Hindu, Australian finance minister Penny Wong in reply to a question on whether India’s urge to take action against the Khalistan group was fulfilled, she said “ ….In relation to that I’d say is we respect your sovereignty. And we also are very clear about the line between peaceful protests, freedom of expression, and violence and vandalism.”

She has already clarified that the cooperation with India is for the balancing of power to counter China. The failed cricket diplomacy, Australia’s stand on the India-Canada standoff, and the statements by Wong proved how India has turned into a vassal of the Western countries under the Modi doctrine.

The current stand of the union government has isolated India in the Global South. Meanwhile, China is on the verge of emerging as the new dominant player in West Asian geopolitics. In the background of the Saudi-Iran peace deal that was brokered by China, Arab countries held direct talks with Beijing.

The officials holding meetings with China were from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Indonesia, Palestinian authorities, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, among others. Succeeding this South Africa, one of the strongest allies of China in the African continent hosted the virtual meeting of BRICS. Joining the dots, China is set to emerge in the role of mediator. Arab countries met Chinese diplomats to give a strong message to the USA too.

With the BRICS extraordinary meeting, China was able to successfully entrap the United States between the Zionist pressure for continuous aggression and the Middle East pressure for a ceasefire. One will not be mistaken to assume that China is working to diminish the outreach of US in West Asia.

Though, a joint declaration was not issued from the statements of various leaders except Jaishankar all others demanded a ceasefire and held Israel’s settler colonialism as the reason for the conflict. They endorsed the initiatives of Arab countries for establishing peace. South African parliament has voted for the closure of the Israel Embassy in Pretoria.

Undoubtedly India has trailed from its glorious legacy of being the voice of global south. China emphasized on the strategy that India forgot during the Modi era. In the past, India’s diplomacy focused on creating a New Economic World Order based on the liberation of Asian, African, and Latin American countries from neo-colonialism. The Non-Aligned Movement led by India comprised countries that gained independence from colonial regimes.

These were not powerful countries but had the potential of multiple dimensions. It was never the service or submission to power that helped India and NAM to develop their influences. China has built deep economic cooperation with African and Asian post-colonial countries than with the Western countries.

Bharath Karnad assessed Modi’s foreign policy as “bowing to the powerful and bullying the weak.” Such policies only result in the rupture of the country’s power.

In an article written by Rahul Nath Choudhary in East Asia Forum, he noted that the majority of free trade agreements signed by India failed to cater better results. In the period between 2017 and 2022, India’s exports to its FTA partners increased by 31%, while its imports increased by 82%. India’s FTA utilization remains very low at around 25%, while utilization for developed countries typically is 70% to 80%. 

The alternative for this – bilateral agreements and multilateral forums can be achieved if India could revamp another NAM based on multipolarity and de-dollarization. If the escalation continues in West Asia the future of India’s Middle East Corridor will be forever at a crossroad. Even a peace treaty based on the intervention of China and BRIC countries will bring the same fate.

 

Saudi Arabia-China currency swap agreement

The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has signed a three-year currency swap agreement with the Central Bank of China, marking a milestone in financial cooperation between the two nations.

The accord establishes a maximum swap value of 50 billion Chinese yuan.

This strategic agreement reflects the commitment of both central banks to enhance collaboration and strengthen ties founded on mutual interests.

The three-year duration underscores the long-term nature of this financial partnership, showcasing the enduring commitment of Saudi Arabia and China to bolstering their economic relations.

United States needs war in Gaza

A summit by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) resulted in a blanket condemnation of Israel, but lacked substantive solutions. The summit was sabotaged by Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco, who recently normalized relations with Israel. These countries block significant actions due to extensive US influence and future geopolitical calculations, causing disappointment among the international Muslim community.

After all, the Arab street – even while repressed in their home nations – has pulsed with protests expressing ferocious rage against Israel’s wholesale massacre of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Arab leaders were forced to take some sort of action beyond suspending a few ambassadorships with Israel, and called for a special Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit to discuss the ongoing Israeli war against Palestinian children.

Representatives of 57 Muslim states convened in Riyadh on 11 November to deliver a serious, practical blow against genocidal practitioners and enablers. But in the end, nothing was offered, not even solace.

The OIC’s final statement will always be enshrined in the Gilded Palace of Cowardice. Highlights of the tawdry rhetorical show: we oppose Israel’s self-defense; we condemn the attack on Gaza; we ask (who?) not to sell weapons to Israel; we request the kangaroo ICC to investigate war crimes; we request a UN resolution condemning Israel.

For the record, that’s the best 57 Muslim-majority countries could drum up in response to this 21st-century genocide. History, even if written by victors, tends to be unforgiving towards cowards.

The Top Four Cowards, in this instance, are Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco – the latter three having normalized relations with Israel under a heavy US hand in 2020. These are the ones that consistently blocked serious measures from being adopted at the OIC summit, such as the Algerian draft proposal for an oil ban on Israel, plus banning the use of Arab airspace to deliver weapons to the occupation state.

Egypt and Jordan – longtime Arab vassals – were also non-committal, as well as Sudan, which is in the middle of a civil war. Turkiye, under Sultan Recep Tayyip Erdogan, once again showed it is all talk and no action; a neo-Ottoman parody of the Texan “all hat, no cattle.”

Britain based anti Iranian TV channel to close operations

Manoto, a Britain based television channel, often attracting criticism for its anti-Iranian stance and being the platform for monarchists living outside the country, has announced the cessation of its operations by the end of January 2024.

Keyvan and Marjan Abbassi, the heads of this network, communicated the decision via a Telegram message, stating that they might continue broadcasting until the end of January 2024, after which they will bid farewell to the network.

Manoto TV, a longstanding player in Iran's media landscape, has been a source of controversy due to its alignment with anti-Iran sentiments. Accused of propagandist inclinations and aligning with monarchists, this media outlet has faced substantial criticism for its productions.

The recent announcement unfolds against the backdrop of a turbulent year for anti-Iran fronts, where media outlets sharing similar ideologies grappled with credibility challenges and a decline in audience engagement.

The development draws parallels with the fate of Iran International TV channel, once funded by Saudi capitalists. Compelled to undergo a paradigm shift due to a change in ownership, the network found itself aligning with Zionists’ views. The transformations in media ownership and allegiance underscore the intricate interplay of political and financial forces shaping the narrative in the region.

Having operated for over 14 years, Manoto TV attempted to propagate news against the Iranian government, serving as a mouthpiece for particular political and religious groups who are mostly funded by foreign spy agencies.