UK, France, Germany blame Iran for attacks on Saudi oil facilities

The attacks on Saudi Aramco facilities have been blamed on Iran by both the US and European leaders. (AP)
Updated 24 September 2019
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UK, France, Germany blame Iran for attacks on Saudi oil facilities

  • Leaders all on Tehran to agree to negotiations on its nuclear and missile programs and regional security issues
  • US official says Washington seeks negotiations with Tehran that include missile program and terror support

UNITED NATIONS: Britain, France and Germany joined the United States on Monday in blaming Iran for attacks on key oil facilities in Saudi Arabia.

Fallout from the Sept. 14 attacks is still reverberating as world leaders gather for their annual meeting at the UN General Assembly and international experts investigate, at Saudi Arabia’s request, what happened and who was responsible.
The leaders of the United Kingdom, France and Germany released a statement reaffirming their support for the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which the US exited, but telling Iran to stop breaching it and saying “there is no other plausible explanation” than that “Iran bears responsibility for this attack.”
They pledged to try to ease tensions in the Middle East and urged Iran to “refrain from choosing provocation and escalation.”

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said late Sunday while flying to New York that the UK would consider taking part in a US-led military effort to bolster Saudi Arabia’s defenses after the drone and cruise missile attacks on the world’s largest oil processor and an oil field.
Iran’s foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, denied any part in the attacks. He said Monday that Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who claimed responsibility, “have every reason to retaliate” for the Saudi-led coalition’s aerial attacks on their country.

“If Iran were behind this attack, nothing would have been left of this refinery,” he boasted.

He also stressed on the eve of President Hassan Rouhani’s visit to the United Nations in New York City that “it would be stupid for Iran to engage in such activity.”
Zarif called it an attack “with high precision, low impact” and no casualties. Facilities hit in the refinery would take the Saudis a year to repair, he said. “Why did they hit the lowest impact places?” Zarif asked, saying if Iran was responsible, the refinery would have been destroyed.
France has been trying to find a diplomatic solution to US-Iranian tensions, which soared after the Saudi attacks.
French President Emmanuel Macron said at a news conference at the UN that he planned to meet separately with both Trump and Rouhani over the next day and would work to foster “the conditions for discussion” and not escalation.
Macron called the Sept. 14 strikes “a game-changer, clearly” but reiterated France’s willingness to mediate.
Zarif, however, ruled out any Iran-US meeting. He said Iran had received no request from the US, “and we have made clear that a request alone will not do the job.”
He said Trump “closed the door to negotiations” with the latest US sanctions, which labeled the country’s central bank a “global terrorist” institution — a designation the Iranian minister said the US president and his successors may not be able to change.
“I know that President Trump did not want to do that. I know he must have been misinformed,” Zarif said in a meeting with UN correspondents.
Zarif said he plans to meet Wednesday with ministers of all five countries remaining in the 2015 nuclear deal from which Trump withdrew, including Russia and China.
Johnson, the UK prime minister, said Britain still backs the existing nuclear agreement and wants Iran to stick to its terms but urged Trump to strike a new deal with Iran.
“Whatever your objections with the old nuclear deal with Iran, it’s time now to move forward and do a new deal,” he said.
Asked about Johnson’s suggestion, Trump said he respects the British leader and believes the current agreement expires too soon.
The joint UK, France, Germany statement urges Iran to reverse its rollback on key provisions in the 2015 nuclear deal and calls for a new agreement.
“The time has come for Iran to accept negotiation on a long-term framework for its nuclear program as well as on issues related to regional security, including its missiles program and other means of delivery,” the three countries said.
Shortly before leaving for the UN meetings Monday, Iran’s Rouhani said on state television that his country will invite Arabian Gulf nations to join an Iranian-led coalition “to guarantee the region’s security.”
Rouhani said the plan also encompasses economic cooperation and an initiative for “long term” peace. He planned on presenting details while at the United Nations.
Zarif said the new Hormuz Peace Initiative — with the acronym HOPE — would be formed under a UN umbrella with two underlying principles: nonaggression and noninterference. He said it would require a major shift from countries “buying” security from other nations or mercenaries and instead promote the notion that “you can gain security relying on your own people and working with your neighbors.”
Johnson said he would meet Rouhani at this week’s UN gathering. He said he wanted Britain to be “a bridge between our European friends and the Americans when it comes to the crisis in the Gulf.”
Johnson stressed the need for a diplomatic response to the Gulf tensions but said Britain would consider any request for military help.
The Trump administration announced Friday that it would send additional US troops and missile defense equipment to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as part of a “defensive” deployment. Officials said the number of troops was likely to be in the hundreds.
“We will be following that very closely,” Johnson said. “And clearly if we are asked, either by the Saudis or by the Americans, to have a role, then we will consider in what way we could be useful.”

A UK official told The Associated Press that a claim of responsibility for the attacks by Iran-allied Houthi rebels in Yemen was “implausible.” He said remnants of Iran-made cruise missiles were found at the attack site, and “the sophistication points very, very firmly to Iranian involvement.”
The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence findings, did not say whether Britain believed the attack was launched from Iranian soil. Iran denies responsibility and has warned any retaliatory attack targeting it will result in an “all-out war.”
Meanwhile Monday, Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei suggested the release of a British-flagged oil tanker held by Tehran since July would be imminent, though he doesn’t know when it will leave.
The Stena Impero has not turned on its satellite-tracking beacon in 58 days and there has not been any sign that it has left its position near Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard seized the vessel after authorities in Gibraltar seized an Iranian crude oil tanker. That ship has since left Gibraltar, leading to hopes the Stena Impero would be released.
 


Riyadh’s literary havens: Where coffee meets the love of books

Updated 1 min 20 sec ago
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Riyadh’s literary havens: Where coffee meets the love of books

  • City’s book cafes offer serene spaces for quiet reflection
  • Carefully curated selections of Arabic and English titles on offer

RIYADH: Riyadh’s cultural landscape is undergoing a quiet transformation, where the love of coffee meets the timeless allure of literature.

Book cafes are carving out a niche as spaces where readers, thinkers, and coffee enthusiasts converge.

These havens of creativity and reflection offer retreats for the mind and soul, providing a sense of community in an increasingly fast-paced world.

A cozy nook where greenery and natural decor invite visitors to unwind with a good book.  (Instagram: @coffee_trees20)

The Book Club: Where stories find their home

Nestled in the Al-Yasmin district, The Book Club is a tranquil retreat for bibliophiles, particularly those passionate about Arabic literature.

Its shelves brim with carefully curated Arabic titles, from classics to contemporary gems, complemented by a modest selection of English books.

HIGHLIGHTS

• In Riyadh’s Al-Narjis district, Wathbah Coffee and Book’s floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, vintage-inspired decor, and intimate corners create a haven for readers and thinkers alike.

• Coffee Trees, tucked away in the Al-Rayan district, offers a sanctuary that blends greenery with literary charm.

The minimalist interior, adorned with soft lighting and intimate reading nooks, creates an atmosphere conducive to focus and relaxation.

What sets The Book Club apart is its browsing policy. Visitors are welcome to skim books for three minutes before deciding to purchase, with additional purchases granting extended reading time.

A serene entrance invites book lovers and coffee enthusiasts to step into a world of stories and community at The Book Club. This Riyadh gem blends literature with culture. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

During Arab News’ visit, the cafe hosted a stimulating talk with Saad Al-Bazai, titled, “Historical Fiction: Why Do They Believe in the Imagined?”

Al-Bazai told Arab News: “These gatherings bring together a diverse audience and provide them with the opportunity to meet researchers.

“This undoubtedly supports cultural life as it creates a platform for dialogue that differs from social media platforms — it is vibrant, direct, and involves personal presence.”

Sophia: A library, a cafe, and a place to connect

Sophia has become a cornerstone of Riyadh’s literary scene, acting as a hub for knowledge, creativity, and meaningful connections.

Its towering wooden shelves are filled with a rich collection of Arabic and English books, carefully curated to cater to a diverse audience.

Sophia blends intellect and leisure, offering visitors a serene space to read and reflect. (Instagram: @sophia.alriyadh)

Beyond being a library, Sophia also serves as a publishing house, amplifying the voices of local and regional authors, bringing their stories to the forefront.

What sets Sophia apart is its dedication to fostering intellectual growth and cultural exchange.

The space regularly hosts book launches, discussion panels, and thought-provoking dialogue sessions that bring together writers, readers, and thinkers from various backgrounds.

The inviting ambiance, complete with warm lighting and cozy seating, creates the perfect backdrop for these events, making each visit an enriching experience.

Aminah Al-Hassani, a loyal visitor, captured the essence of Sophia. She said: “The place is calm and serene, and it has never let me down with a bad book.

“Every book I’ve read here has been better than the last. Their selections are beautiful, and the events they organize are always beneficial and enjoyable.”

The calming ambiance of Coffee Trees, a perfect escape to enjoy ethically sourced coffee and literary treasures. (Instagram: @coffee_trees20)

Coffee Trees: A green sanctuary

Coffee Trees, tucked away in the Al-Rayan district, offers a sanctuary that blends greenery with literary charm. The cafe’s lush decor, accentuated by vibrant plants and natural elements, transforms the space into a botanical retreat.

Though its library is modest, the curated selection of books is perfectly aligned with the cafe’s serene ambiance.

Patrons often find themselves lost in thought or pages, surrounded by the aroma of ethically sourced, expertly brewed coffee.

Whether it’s the tranquil environment or the commitment to sustainability, Coffee Trees is a favorite escape for those seeking a moment of calm in the city.

Wathbah Coffee & Book: Where timeless charm meets literature

In Al-Narjis district, Wathbah Coffee & Book exudes intellectual allure. Its floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, vintage-inspired decor, and intimate corners create a haven for readers and thinkers alike.

The carefully selected collection spans genres and eras, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

The timeless charm of Wathbah, with its floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and vintage-inspired decor. (Instagram: @wathbah_cb)

Wathbah’s ambiance is perfect for quiet reading, reflective conversations, or simply soaking in its aesthetic beauty.

As Sara Al-Ebraheem, a loyal patron, said: “There’s a certain magic in time spent in the company of good books, with a perfectly brewed coffee.”

Ons Coffee Roasters: Where simplicity meets serenity

Ons Coffee Roasters offers a minimalist haven for those who crave peace and simplicity. Its clean design, complemented by tasteful art and cozy seating, creates a calm environment perfect for unwinding.

The warm, minimalist interior of Ons, perfect for a quiet read or reflective moments away from the city’s buzz. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

While its library may be small, the books displayed are thoughtfully chosen to inspire reflection and curiosity.

Ons Coffee Roasters is as much about quality as it is about serenity. Its expertly brewed coffee elevates the experience, making it an ideal retreat for anyone seeking a quiet corner in Riyadh.

A cultural renaissance in Riyadh

The emerging popularity of book cafes is providing spaces where literature, art, and community thrive. The cafes cater to a growing audience of residents and visitors who value meaningful connections in an increasingly digital world.
 

Ons’s small literary touch: A charming collection of books graces the walls of Ons, where simplicity meets creativity in every corner. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

 


Saudi Arabia condemns ‘greater Israel’ map

Updated 3 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia condemns ‘greater Israel’ map

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned and rejected on Wednesday an Israeli map that claimed Jordanian, Syrian and Lebanese territories as part of so-called “greater Israel.”

The Kingdom stressed that such extremist allegations demonstrated Israeli intentions to consolidate its occupation, continue blatant attacks on the sovereignty of states, and violate international laws and norms.

The Kingdom’s foreign ministry renewed its call for the international community to play its role in stopping Israeli violations against countries and peoples of the region.

The ministry stressed the need to respect the sovereignty of states and their borders to limit the exacerbation of the region’s crises.

Palestine and Jordan condemned the map on Tuesday.


Saudi officials meet Egyptian, Greek ambassadors in Riyadh

Updated 31 min 6 sec ago
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Saudi officials meet Egyptian, Greek ambassadors in Riyadh

RIYADH: Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Egyptian Ambassador Ahmed Farouk Tawfik in Riyadh on Wednesday.

The meeting marked the conclusion of Tawfik’s tenure as ambassador to Saudi Arabia, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

Prince Faisal expressed his gratitude for the ambassador’s efforts during his service and wished him success in his future endeavors.

Meanwhile, Saudi Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati met with Greek Ambassador Alexis Konstantopoulos in Riyadh. The two men discussed bilateral relations and topics of common concern, said the Foreign Ministry on X.


Saudi crown prince receives call from Ukraine’s Zelensky

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. (File/SPA/AFP)
Updated 44 min 36 sec ago
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Saudi crown prince receives call from Ukraine’s Zelensky

  • Two leaders discussed the latest developments in the Ukrainian-Russian crisis and efforts made to resolve it

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday. 

During the call, the two leaders discussed the latest developments in the Ukrainian-Russian crisis and efforts made to resolve it. 

They also reviewed Saudi-Ukrainian relations and discussed issues of common interest. Regional and international developments were also discussed. 


Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 features first display of Holy Kaaba’s Kiswah outside Makkah

Updated 08 January 2025
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Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 features first display of Holy Kaaba’s Kiswah outside Makkah

  • Exhibition will highlight Saudi Arabia’s key role in serving Islam and Muslims
  • Kiswah of the Holy Kaaba is “considered the highest form of creative production in Islamic arts”

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 will feature, from Jan. 25 to May 25, the first public display outside Makkah of the whole Kiswah of the Holy Kaaba.

The Diriyah Biennale Foundation is hosting the unprecedented event at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, titled “And All That Is In Between.”

Visitors can admire the intricate weaving and embroidery of the Kiswah, the cloth that adorns the Holy Kaaba in the Grand Mosque in Makkah, featuring silk, gold and silver threads.

Since 1927, the King Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswa has been producing decorative embroidered clothes for the Holy Kaaba, which is replaced annually.

The Diriyah Biennale Foundation said that the Kiswah of the Holy Kaaba, with its distinctive inscriptions and ornamentations, is “considered the highest form of creative production in Islamic arts” and holds significance in the lives of Muslims worldwide.

The exhibition will highlight Saudi Arabia’s key role in serving Islam and Muslims over the decades and showcase the exceptional skills and craftsmanship of the Kiswah Factory of the Holy Kaaba.

Alongside the Kiswah display, the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 will exhibit a collection of historical Islamic artifacts and contemporary artworks. The organizers aim to surpass the 600,000 visitors who attended the 2023 event.

The event also aims to enhance pilgrims’ religious and cultural experiences while preserving the Kingdom’s Islamic heritage as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.