Saudi Arabia

Saudi source says normalisation with Israel still tied to Palestinian statehood

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Flags of Israel and Saudi Arabia

CNN reported, citing a Saudi source, that Saudi Arabia will not normalize relations with Israel unless there is what the source described as a “clear and irreversible path” toward establishing a Palestinian state.

The reported Saudi position came after US President Donald Trump stated that countries in the Middle East would be expected to recognize Israel once a broader agreement with Iran is reached.

According to the source cited by CNN, Saudi Arabia continues to maintain its longstanding position that normalization must be linked to credible progress toward Palestinian statehood.

Trump had earlier written on social media that he expected Middle Eastern countries and others to join the Abraham Accords after a deal ending the conflict with Iran is finalized.

READ: Qatar denies reports of $12bn offer to Iran to secure US deal

He also warned that if negotiations fail, military action could follow on a scale “bigger and more powerful than ever before.”

The report noted that Trump had previously asked Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a meeting last November to join the Abraham Accords.

According to the account cited by CNN, Mohammed bin Salman responded that Saudi Arabia wants to be part of the accords but insists on a clearly defined path toward a two-state solution.

The crown prince reportedly described his discussions with Trump on the issue as “constructive” and said Riyadh would work toward creating the conditions necessary to achieve that objective.

READ: Trump links Iran negotiations to expansion of Abraham Accords

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Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of global privateering.
Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of global privateering.
Orcas discuss Donald Trump and the killer apes' concept of democracy. Front Orca warns that Trump is crashing his country's economy and that everything he does he does for the fantastically wealthy.
Orcas discuss Donald Trump and the killer apes’ concept of democracy. Front Orca warns that Trump is crashing his country’s economy and that everything he does he does for the fantastically wealthy.

Continue ReadingSaudi source says normalisation with Israel still tied to Palestinian statehood

Trump links Iran negotiations to expansion of Abraham Accords

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(L-R)Bahrain Foreign Minister Abdullatif al-Zayani, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Donald Trump, and UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan hold up documents after participating in the signing of the Abraham Accords where the countries of Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates recognise Israel, at the White House in Washington, DC, September 15, 2020 [SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images]

US President Donald Trump reportedly demanded that several Arab and Islamic countries join the Abraham Accords as part of broader regional arrangements connected to negotiations with Iran.

According to Hebrew and American media reports, Trump published a statement on his Truth Social platform in which he linked progress on a possible nuclear agreement with Iran to expanding participation in the Abraham Accords.

Trump reportedly said he had spoken over the weekend with several regional leaders, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Emir of Qatar, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

He stated that after what he described as major US efforts in the region, there should be “a commitment for all these countries to join the Abraham Accords simultaneously.”

READ: Qatar denies reports of $12bn offer to Iran to secure US deal

Trump reportedly singled out Saudi Arabia and Qatar, saying they “must sign immediately,” adding: “If they don’t — they are not part of the deal.”

The US president praised the Abraham Accords as a source of “tremendous financial, economic and social success” for participating countries.

He also presented a broader vision of a unified Middle East and made the striking suggestion that Iran itself could eventually join the accords if a wider agreement were reached.

According to the reports, Trump said some regional leaders told him they would consider it an honour for Iran to be included in the framework after a final agreement is signed.

He concluded by saying he had instructed US representatives to begin preparations for expanding participation in the accords, describing the potential outcome as an “unprecedented global alliance” that could transform the Middle East into a unified and economically powerful region.

READ: Iran says agreement with US could collapse over unresolved clauses

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Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of global privateering.
Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of global privateering.
Orcas discuss Donald Trump and the killer apes' concept of democracy. Front Orca warns that Trump is crashing his country's economy and that everything he does he does for the fantastically wealthy.
Orcas discuss Donald Trump and the killer apes’ concept of democracy. Front Orca warns that Trump is crashing his country’s economy and that everything he does he does for the fantastically wealthy.
Continue ReadingTrump links Iran negotiations to expansion of Abraham Accords

‘Financial Pawn of the Saudi Monarchy’: House Judiciary Opens Probe Into Jared Kushner

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Original article by Jon Queally republished form Common Dreams under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0).

Senior Advisor to the President Jared Kushner speaks during the daily briefing on the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, in the Brady Briefing Room at the White House on April 2, 2020, in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mandel Ngan / AFP via Getty Images)

“You cannot faithfully represent the United States with billions of dollars in Saudi and Emirati cash burning a hole in every pocket of every suit you own,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin.

The ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee on Friday morning announced a “sweeping” probe into alleged self-enrichment by Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump who has served as a high-profile White House envoy in the Middle East while also, according to Congressman Jamie Raskin, “soliciting billions of dollars from Gulf monarchies for [his] private business ventures.”

In a letter addressed to Kushner, the Maryland Democrat charges that by pushing for investments in his international investment firm, A Fin Management LLC (Affinity), while also serving as “Special Envoy for Peace” for the Trump administration, he has created “a glaring and incurable conflict of interest” in the eyes of the American people.

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While Raskin points out that Kushner repeatedly vowed to stay out of government during Trump’s second term and, going further, said he would not raise funds for Affinity during that time, both promises were “quickly” broken.

In April of 2022, the New York Times reported how Kushner had secured a $2 billion investment from a sovereign wealth fund directed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also known as MbS. In 2018, during Trump’s first term, investigations were demanded over accusations that previous financial ties meant that MbS had Kushner “in his pocket.”

According to Raskin’s letter on Friday:

Mr. Kushner’s investment firm, Affinity Partners, has amassed approximately $6.16 billion in assets under management—including $1.2 billion in the past year alone—with an extraordinary 99 percent of its funding derived from foreign nationals. These include sovereign wealth funds operated by the governments of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. At the same time, Mr. Kushner has assumed a central role in sensitive geopolitical negotiations across the Middle East and beyond.

Despite explicit public assurances that he would avoid both government service and fundraising during President Trump’s second term, Mr. Kushner has done precisely the opposite. He has inserted himself into the world’s most volatile global conflicts as one of the United States’ chief negotiators all while deepening his financial reliance on, and entanglement with, foreign governments.

Citing the horrific US complicity in Israel’s ongoing attacks on Gaza as well as Trump’s illegal war of choice against Iran, Raskin’s letter to Kushner charges that “your decision to play completely irreconcilable and unethical dual roles has been haunting American foreign policy since President Trump returned to Washington in 2025.”

Noting that the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia remains “your largest investor through Affinity and thus possesses significant financial leverage over” Kushner, Raskin explains to the president’s son-in-law in his letter that “you cannot both be a diplomat and a financial pawn of the Saudi monarchy at the same time; you cannot faithfully represent the United States with billions of dollars in Saudi and Emirati cash burning a hole in every pocket of every suit you own.”

Due to these concerns, explained Raskin, the House Committee on the Judiciary investigation will probe “your conduct and that of your firm with the goal of learning information critical to reforming our bribery laws, conflict of interest provisions, other statutes and rules governing the conduct of government and special government employees, and FARA.”

Offering a list of requests, the letter demands that Kushner provide a detailed account of his communications with various investment partners and entities related to his business dealings and that of his work as special envoy to the president, with a deadline of April 30 to comply.

“This investigation will be a priority for our Committee in the coming period,” Raskin’s letter states. “We expect your full cooperation and that you will provide us with all relevant documents that touch upon how your business interests, family wealth, and governmental duties and missions have merged and converged.”

Original article by Jon Queally republished form Common Dreams under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0).

Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of global privateering.
Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of global privateering.

Continue Reading‘Financial Pawn of the Saudi Monarchy’: House Judiciary Opens Probe Into Jared Kushner

UK to deploy more troops, air defense systems to Middle East: Defense chief

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Secretary of State for Defence John Healey arrives at Downing Street to attend the weekly cabinet meeting in London, United Kingdom, on March 24, 2026. [Raşid Necati Aslım – Anadolu Agency]

The UK will deploy more troops and air defense systems to the Middle East to help the allies against Iranian attacks, the country’s defense secretary said Tuesday, Anadolu reports.

On a trip to the Gulf nations, John Healey said extra air defense teams and systems would be deployed to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait, along with an extension of the use of Typhoon jets in Qatar, the Defense Ministry said in a statement.

It noted that as part of the UK’s action in the “collective defense of allies,” without getting drawn into the wider war, the Healey is visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain.

“Defence Secretary John Healey MP held detailed discussions on the conflict, the Strait of Hormuz, and further UK-Gulf cooperation on regional security as the war enters its second month,” said the statement.

During his visit to the UK Armed Forces at the Dukhan base in Qatar, Healey confirmed that the UK has extended the deployment of UK Typhoon jets to Qatar.

“My message to Gulf partners is: Britain’s best will help you defend your skies,” said the defense secretary.

In Saudi Arabia, he also confirmed to his Saudi counterpart Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud his decision to deploy Sky Sabre there.

READ: UK prepares mine-clearing vessel for possible Strait of Hormuz deployment

The statement noted that the UK’s Lightweight Multirole Launcher is now in Bahrain, as the defense secretary also announced earlier Tuesday, supported by a team of UK experts who will help integrate the short-range air defense system into Bahraini defenses.

Healey has been visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain as the government announced the deployment of further systems, and associated teams, for each of the three nations, as well as for Kuwait.

Separately, the Defense Ministry said in its daily update that Britain’s Royal Air Force jets operating in a high-threat area successfully downed multiple Iranian drones overnight.

The region has been on alert since the US and Israel launched an air offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, killing more than 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and infrastructure damage while disrupting global markets and aviation.

READ: Spanish defense minister says US, Israel cannot dictate global order

Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Straight of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Straight of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Donald Trump warns against following the https://onaquietday.org blog, says that it's easy atm, she only needs to report war crimes supporting Israel's genocidal expansion.
Donald Trump warns against following the https://onaquietday.org blog, says that it’s easy atm, she only needs to report war crimes supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion.

Continue ReadingUK to deploy more troops, air defense systems to Middle East: Defense chief

Gulf countries, Jordan condemn Iranian attacks, affirm right to self-defense

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Smoke rises after Iranian-sourced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) carried out an attack on a fuel depot at Kuwait International Airport in Kuwait City, Kuwait on March 25, 2026. [Stringer – Anadolu Agency]

The Gulf countries and Jordan on Wednesday strongly denounced Iranian attacks as a “flagrant violation” of their sovereignty and territorial integrity, affirming their full right to self-defense, Anadolu reports.

In a joint statement, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Jordan said attacks carried out by Iran or its proxies constitute “a violation of international law, international humanitarian law, and the United Nations Charter.”

They particularly cited attacks launched by Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq as “a breach of international laws and conventions,” and “a blatant violation” of UN Security Council 2817, which demands Iran cease all assaults and threats against neighboring countries.

The statement called on the Iraqi government to take “the necessary measures” to halt attacks by armed groups against neighbors “in order to preserve fraternal relations and prevent further escalation.”

READ: Iran calls for regional “security union” independent of United States, Israel

Signatories reaffirmed their full right to self-defense “against these criminal attacks,” and to take all necessary measures “to preserve their sovereignty, security, and stability.”

They also condemned acts and activities “that undermine the security and stability of the region’s countries, planned by sleeper cells loyal to Iran and terrorist organizations linked to Hezbollah.”

Regional escalation has continued to flare since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, killing so far over 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.

READ: Trump prefers peace but ready to ‘unleash hell’ in Iran: White House

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Orcas discuss rotting brain. Front Orca says "Wish someone would lock him up".
Orcas discuss rotting brain. Front Orca says “Wish someone would lock him up”.
Donald Trump warns against following the https://onaquietday.org blog, says that it's easy atm, she only needs to report war crimes supporting Israel's genocidal expansion.
Donald Trump warns against following the https://onaquietday.org blog, says that it’s easy atm, she only needs to report war crimes supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion.
Keir Starmer explains that UK is participating defensively in Trump and Israel's criminal war for Israel's genocidal expansion in Iran and states that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said "I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is participating defensively in Trump and Israel’s criminal war for Israel’s genocidal expansion in Iran and states that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/

Continue ReadingGulf countries, Jordan condemn Iranian attacks, affirm right to self-defense