DUBAI: Saudi Arabia has expressed deep concern and condemned the purported chemical attack on Douma in the eastern region of Syria, according to an official source at the Kingdom’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The attack killed dozens of civilians, among them women and children.
The source stressed the need to stop these tragedies and to pursue a peaceful solution based on the principles of the Geneva Declaration and UN Security Council resolutions.
The source pointed out the importance of the international community’s responsibilities toward civilians in Syria.
Saudi Arabia condemns Douma chemical attack
Saudi Arabia condemns Douma chemical attack

Tehran remains committed to diplomacy, but ‘peace by force is not peace,’ Iran’s ambassador to Japan tells Arab News Japan

- In exclusive interview, Peiman Seadat slams the US for siding with “aggressor” Israel, says Iran "now assessing the situation”
- Sees growing alignment between Iran and Arab and Islamic states and “positive and constructive path” toward regional peace
TOKYO: From the only country ever targeted by atomic bombs, a senior Iranian diplomat has called for a return to diplomacy over destruction amid simmering nuclear tensions in the Middle East.
Peiman Seadat, Tehran’s ambassador to Japan, says his country remains open to dialogue but cautions that “peace by force is not peace” following recent attacks on its nuclear sites and failed negotiations.
In an exclusive interview with Arab News on Saturday, Seadat described genuine diplomacy as requiring “mutual respect, even on points of disagreement, equal footing, and a willingness to achieve a satisfactory outcome for parties involved.”
Iranian authorities are “now assessing the situation” and weighing options for resuming negotiations, he said.
Seadat’s remarks come amid simmering tensions following a 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel, which ended with a ceasefire on June 24.
Accusing both the US and Israel of choosing aggression over diplomacy, he said the attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities were carried out two days before planned talks with the US, and thus have deepened a “legacy of distrust.”
“Rather than condemning the party that disrupted the negotiations, the Americans sided with the aggressor,” he said. “They, therefore, betrayed the very negotiation to which they were a party.
“Accordingly, the conclusion is that they were complicit in the aggression, a fact they further proved when they launched attacks against our peaceful nuclear sites, thus joining the Israelis in gross violation of every tenet of international law.”
In his first public remarks after the truce, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared victory, claiming Iran “slapped America in the face” by striking the Al-Udeid base in Qatar in retaliation for the US bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities.
Warning that any future attacks would prompt further strikes on American targets, he asserted Iran’s regional capabilities and rejected calls for concessions.
Khamenei also downplayed the impact of the strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, claiming that the US acted mainly to protect Israel after Iranian missiles penetrated Israeli defenses.
US President Donald Trump ridiculed Khamenei’s victory claims, insisting Iran had been “decimated” and its nuclear sites “obliterated” during the conflict.
Trump said he had considered but ultimately rejected plans to assassinate Khamenei, claiming he “saved him from a very ugly and ignominious death” by stopping direct attacks from the US or Israel.
He also said he halted plans to lift sanctions on Iran following Khamenei’s “blatant and foolish” statements and warned he would “absolutely” consider bombing Iran again if Tehran resumed nuclear enrichment at threatening levels.
Trump further claimed to have pressured Israel to avoid delivering a “final knockout” blow, suggesting Israeli strikes could have targeted Tehran directly if not for US intervention.
On Saturday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned Trump’s comments, saying a potential nuclear deal hinges on the US ending its “disrespectful tone” toward the supreme leader.
“If President Trump is genuine about wanting a deal, he should put aside the disrespectful and unacceptable tone towards Iran’s Supreme Leader, Grand Ayatollah Khamenei, and stop hurting his millions of heartfelt supporters,” Araghchi posted on the social platform X.
Seadat said that Iran remained committed to diplomacy, citing his country’s continued adherence to the 2015 nuclear deal and participation in talks until Israeli strikes derailed the process.
“Iran has always been a party to genuine diplomacy, but peace by force is not peace; it is, rather, coercion,” he said. “What we wanted was a cessation of aggression, and we achieved it at this stage, with resolve. So, while we remain highly vigilant, we will see how the situation unfolds.”
As diplomatic strains persist, Israeli officials have signaled a readiness to escalate. On June 26, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz told local media that Israel has a “green light” from Trump to strike Iran again if it appears to be advancing its nuclear program.
He added that Israel would not have needed US permission to target Khamenei directly.
That same day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed victory and framed the conflict as a strategic opportunity to expand diplomatic ties with Arab states.
“We have fought with determination against Iran and achieved a great victory. This victory opens the path to dramatically enlarge the peace accords,” Netanyahu said in a video address, referencing the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab countries in 2020.
However, Gulf states have condemned both Iran’s missile strike on Qatar and Israel’s attacks on Iranian facilities, citing concerns over regional stability and national sovereignty.
In a joint statement on June 16, Arab countries rejected and condemned Israel’s military aggression against Iran, calling instead for a return to negotiations.
Seadat insisted that Iran’s nuclear program remains peaceful and said Iran’s parliament moved to limit cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) only after repeated, ignored reassurances from Tehran.
“Up to the moment our sites were attacked in contravention of the NPT rules, the IAEA Statute, and two resolutions by its General Conference that prohibit any attack on IAEA-safeguarded peaceful nuclear sites, 130 IAEA inspectors were in place, meaning one-fifth of all inspections conducted by the IAEA in the world,” Seadat said.
He added: “Regardless of disagreements, the IAEA continued its most robust verification regime in the world in Iran.”
Even after the attacks, Seadat said, both the IAEA and US intelligence confirmed there were no signs of nuclear weapons activity — despite early claims, which he attributed to a “very irresponsible” IAEA report.
He said the 2015 nuclear agreement created “a balance: a cap on our peaceful nuclear program in return for full removal of sanctions.” That arrangement, he added, was especially reassuring as it was backed by UN Security Council Resolution 2231.
“This is a model that Japan and some others have. They also enrich uranium for peaceful purposes. I do not know what to say, unless the meaning of reassuring has changed, perhaps because of the aggressions by the Israeli regime and the Americans on Iran,” Seadat said.
Tensions had started escalating after a May 31 IAEA report revealed that Iran had increased uranium enrichment to 60 percent — the only non-nuclear weapons state to do so — and expanded its stockpile of near-weapons-grade material by 50 percent in three months. Iran dismissed the report as “politically motivated” and “baseless accusations.”
On Wednesday, Rafael Grossi, IAEA director general, said his top priority is resuming inspections in Iran to determine the impact of the recent strikes. The extent of any damage remains unclear.
While Grossi suggested Iran may have relocated parts of its stockpile ahead of the attacks, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Thursday he had seen no intelligence supporting that claim.
Looking ahead, Seadat noted that Japan could play a significant diplomatic role, referencing its unique moral standing as the only country to have experienced atomic bombings.
“The Hibakusha, the first generation of survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, still walk among us in Japan,” he said. “Because of this, Japan possesses a profound moral authority, having known the depths of suffering like few others.”
He added that Japan is well-positioned to support peace through “inclusive” regional development, particularly efforts that enhance energy security for all.
Seadat also said there is growing alignment between Iran and Arab and Islamic states, which he described as a “positive and constructive path” toward regional peace.
However, he cautioned that maintaining momentum would require active, sustained support from all sides.
Although East Asia lies far from Iran, Seadat emphasized cultural similarities and the potential for cooperation — especially through Japan’s technological expertise and diplomatic engagement.
“We need this new paradigm in our region, and I believe Japan, through the dynamism of its diplomacy, can contribute to it,” he said.
Saudi Arabia welcomes US-brokered peace agreement between Rwanda and DR Congo

- Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Kingdom hopes accord would meet “the hopes and aspirations of two peoples for development and prosperity”
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has welcomed the signing of a peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in a deal facilitated by the United States with support from Qatar, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Kingdom hoped the accord would meet “the hopes and aspirations of the two peoples for development and prosperity,” and contribute to “regional and international security and peace.”
The ministry also praised “the diplomatic efforts and constructive role played by the United States of America and the State of Qatar in this regard.”
The agreement, finalized on Friday, aims to de-escalate long-running tensions between Rwanda and the DRC, which have intensified in recent years over accusations of mutual support for armed rebel groups operating along their shared border.
The most prominent of these is the M23 militia, which Kinshasa has accused Rwanda of backing — a charge Kigali denies.
Efforts to mediate between the two neighbours have gained urgency amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC, where conflict has displaced more than seven million people.
The US and Qatar have played key roles in recent months in bringing the two sides to the table for talks, culminating in the formal agreement to ease hostilities and commit to renewed dialogue.
Tens of thousands rally in Serbia’s capital to back up their demand for an early vote

- The protest was held after nearly eight months of persistent demonstrations led by Serbia’s university students
- The huge crowd chanted “We want elections!” as they filled the capital’s central Slavija Square
BELGRADE: Tens of thousands of opponents of Serbia’s populist president, Aleksandar Vucic, rallied on Saturday in Belgrade, backing up a demand for an early parliamentary election and declaring the government “illegitimate.”
The protest was held after nearly eight months of persistent demonstrations led by Serbia’s university students that have rattled Vucic’s firm grip on power in the Balkan country.
The huge crowd chanted “We want elections!” as they filled the capital’s central Slavija Square and several blocks around it, with many unable to reach the venue.
Tensions were high before and during the gathering. Riot police deployed around government buildings and close to a camp of Vucic’s loyalists in central Belgrade.
“Elections are a clear way out of the social crisis caused by the deeds of the government, which is undoubtedly against the interests of their own people,” said one of the students, who didn’t give her name while giving a speech on a stage to the crowd. “Today, on June 28, 2025, we declare the current authorities illegitimate.”
At the end of the official part of the rally, students told the crowd to “take freedom into your own hands.”
University students have been a key force behind nationwide anti-corruption demonstrations that started after a renovated rail station canopy collapsed, killing 16 people on Nov. 1.
Many blamed the concrete roof crash on rampant government corruption and negligence in state infrastructure projects, leading to recurring mass protests.
“We are here today because we cannot take it any more,” Darko Kovacevic said. “This has been going on for too long. We are mired in corruption.”
Vucic and his right-wing Serbian Progressive Party have repeatedly refused the demand for an early vote and accused protesters of planning to spur violence on orders from abroad, which they didn’t specify.
Vucic’s authorities have launched a crackdown on Serbia’s striking universities and other opponents, while increasing pressure on independent media as they tried to curb the demonstrations.
While numbers have shrunk in recent weeks, the massive showing for Saturday’s anti-Vucic rally suggested that the resolve persists, despite relentless pressure and after nearly eight months of almost daily protests.
Serbian police, which is firmly controlled by Vucic’s government, said that 36,000 people were present at the start of the protest on Saturday.
Saturday marks St. Vitus Day, a religious holiday and the date when Serbs mark a 14th-century battle against Ottoman Turks in Kosovo that was the start of hundreds of years of Turkish rule, holding symbolic importance.
In their speeches, some of the speakers at the student rally on Saturday evoked the theme, which was also used to fuel Serbian nationalism in the 1990s that later led to the incitement of ethnic wars following the breakup of the former Yugoslavia.
Hours before the student-led rally, Vucic’s party bused in scores of its own supporters to Belgrade from other parts of the country, many wearing T-shirts reading: “We won’t give up Serbia.” They were joining a camp of Vucic’s loyalists in central Belgrade where they have been staying in tents since mid-March.
In a show of business as usual, Vucic handed out presidential awards in the capital to people he deemed worthy, including artists and journalists.
“People need not worry — the state will be defended and thugs brought to justice,” Vucic told reporters on Saturday.
Serbian presidential and parliamentary elections are due in 2027.
Earlier this week, police arrested several people accused of allegedly plotting to overthrow the government and banned entry into the country, without explanation, to several people from Croatia and a theater director from Montenegro.
Serbia’s railway company halted train service over an alleged bomb threat in what critics said was an apparent bid to prevent people from traveling to Belgrade for the rally.
Authorities made similar moves back in March, before what was the biggest ever anti-government protest in the Balkan country, which drew hundreds of thousands of people.
Vucic’s loyalists then set up a camp in a park outside his office, which still stands. The otherwise peaceful gathering on March 15 came to an abrupt end when part of the crowd suddenly scattered in panic, triggering allegations that authorities used a sonic weapon against peaceful protesters — an accusation officials have denied.
Vucic, a former extreme nationalist, has become increasingly authoritarian since coming to power more than a decade ago. Though he formally says he wants Serbia to join the European Union, critics say Vucic has stifled democratic freedoms as he strengthened ties with Russia and China.
Joint wins Eastbourne title to end Eala’s history bid

- Joint survived a tense clash lasting two hours and 26 minutes, emerging with a 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (12/10) win to seal her second WTA Tour title.
- It was a painful defeat for Eala, who was so close to becoming the first player from the Philippines to win a WTA Tour title
EASTBOURNE, UK: Australian teenager Maya Joint saved four match points to clinch the WTA title at Eastbourne with a dramatic victory over Alexandra Eala that ended the Filipino’s history bid on Saturday.
Joint survived a tense clash lasting two hours and 26 minutes, emerging with a 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (12/10) win to seal her second WTA Tour title.
In the youngest Eastbourne final since 1981, world number 51 Joint staved off the four championship points in a gripping final-set tie-break.
She finally wrapped up the title by drilling a backhand winner before collapsing to the turf in delight.

“I’m very happy right now, feeling very relieved as well. It was a very difficult match, I’m proud of myself for coming back and staying in the match,” Joint said.
“I’m glad I was able to find a way back. Alex played really well today. She definitely tested me and after the first set she got very aggressive.
“What an amazing crowd, you guys came and supported me every day so thank you.”
Having also defeated former Wimbledon runner-up Ons Jabeur and 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu at Eastbourne over the last week, Joint has underlined her status as one of the rising stars of the women’s tour.
After winning on clay in Rabat in May, the 19-year-old has proved she can thrive on grass as well ahead of the start of Wimbledon on Monday.
Joint was unable to make it two trophies in one day as she and partner Hsieh Su-wei were beaten 6-4, 7-5 by Marie Bouzkova and Anna Danilina in the doubles final.
It was a painful defeat for Eala, who was so close to becoming the first player from the Philippines to win a WTA Tour title.

The 20-year-old wiped away tears of frustration during the on-court trophy presentation.
Eala had become the first Filipino to reach a WTA final after beating Varvara Gracheva in the last four at Eastbourne on Friday.
“I want to congratulate Maya for a great match and great tournament,” Eala said.
“This is my first WTA final, it’s a big deal for me and for my country too because it’s historic. I guess that’s also why I’m so emotional.
“Wimbledon is next week so hopefully I’ll forget about this match soon.”
Eala’s run to the final has made the world number 74 one to watch in the coming months.
After progressing through qualifying to make the main draw, Eala beat Lucia Bronzetti, former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko, Nottingham Open finalist Dayana Yastremska and France’s Gracheva.
She had burst onto the scene with three shock victories over Grand Slam winners Ostapenko, Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek to reach the Miami Open semifinals in March.
Eala is due to face reigning champion Barbora Krejcikova in the Wimbledon first round on Center Court on Tuesday.
But Krejcikova is struggling with a thigh injury that forced her to pull out of the Eastbourne quarter-finals on Thursday, putting the Czech’s title defense in doubt.
What We Are Reading Today: The Ticos

Authors: Mavis Hiltunen Biesanz, Richard Biesanz
Written with the perspective of more than half a century of first-hand observation, this unparalleled social and cultural history describes how Costa Rica’s economy, government, education and health-care systems, family structures, religion, and other institutions have evolved, and how this evolution has affected and reflected people’s daily lives, beliefs, and their values.
The authors are particularly concerned with change since the economic crisis of the early 1980s and the structural adjustment that followed.
The book provides a comprehensive introduction to a country the writers know well, according to a review on goodreads.com.