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.
 


Saudi authorities make arrests in ongoing anti-drug operations

Updated 6 sec ago
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Saudi authorities make arrests in ongoing anti-drug operations

  • The authorities have urged the public to report information related to drug smuggling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province

DUBAI: Saudi authorities have arrested several people in separate operations as part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to combat drug smuggling and dealing.

In Najran, the General Directorate of Narcotics Control arrested two citizens for selling amphetamine and referred them to the Public Prosecution.

In another operation, Border Guard land patrols in the Al-Rabou’ah sector of the Asir region arrested three Ethiopian nationals for violating border security laws and attempting to smuggle 45 kg of qat.

The authorities have urged the public to report information related to drug smuggling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions. Reports can also be made in confidence to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or by emailing 995@gdnc.gov.sa.


Saudi, US defense chiefs discuss regional security in phone call

Updated 07 April 2025
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Saudi, US defense chiefs discuss regional security in phone call

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman received a phone call from US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Monday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two discussed defense cooperation between the two countries, SPA added.

They also spoke about regional developments and shared efforts to enhance security and stability in the region and beyond.


Saudi Arabia highlights cultural preservation efforts at UNESCO Executive Board session in Paris

Updated 07 April 2025
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Saudi Arabia highlights cultural preservation efforts at UNESCO Executive Board session in Paris

  • Kingdom’s permanent representative announces two digital initiatives to be launched in partnership with UN body
  • Abdulelah bin Ali Al-Tokhais says Kingdom remains committed to advancing the organization’s strategic priorities

PARIS: Saudi Arabia has highlighted its work in cultural preservation at the 221st session of the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization at the organization’s headquarters in Paris, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The session, which opened Monday and runs until April 17, is being attended by representatives from member states and key international stakeholders.

The UNESCO Executive Board, of which Saudi Arabia is a member, is one of the organization’s three main governing bodies, alongside the General Conference and the Secretariat.

Comprising 58 member states elected for four-year terms, the board evaluates the organization’s work, oversees programs, and reviews budgetary matters.

Saudi Arabia’s delegation is led by Abdulelah bin Ali Al-Tokhais, the Kingdom’s permanent representative to UNESCO.

Also in attendance are members of the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, and representatives from various national institutions.

Delivering the Kingdom’s address during the opening session, Al-Tokhais underscored Saudi Arabia’s historic and ongoing partnership with UNESCO, highlighting that the Kingdom was among the first nations to sign the UN Charter in 1945.

He emphasized the robust cooperation between Saudi Arabia and UNESCO, particularly through the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning, a partnership that recently culminated in the Kingdom hosting the Sixth International Conference on Learning Cities, held under the patronage of King Salman.

Al-Tokhais also noted the Kingdom’s role in cultural preservation, citing the Saudi Fund to Support, Protect and Promote Culture and Heritage at UNESCO.

As part of collaborative efforts, he announced that two digital initiatives — the Virtual Museum of Stolen Objects and the Digital Heritage Platform — will be launched in partnership with UNESCO in the first half of 2025.

He also reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s support for UNESCO’s mission, and said that the Kingdom remained committed to advancing the organization’s strategic priorities and contributing to global development goals.


Saudi development agency improves Yemen’s sports infrastructure to empower youth

Updated 07 April 2025
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Saudi development agency improves Yemen’s sports infrastructure to empower youth

  • SDRPY has built over 30 basketball and volleyball courts in schools across various Yemeni governorates
  • Agency is dedicated to implementing sports projects in Yemen that meet global standards to enhance youth skills

RIYADH: The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen has supported various sports and youth initiatives in the country as part of the Kingdom’s commitment to empower Yemeni youth.

The SDRPY has built over 30 basketball and volleyball courts in schools across various Yemeni governorates, and supported the construction of FIFA-standard stadiums for clubs such as Al-Jazira, Al-Rawdah, and Al-Menaa.

In a report, the agency said that it remains dedicated to implementing sports projects in Yemen that meet global standards to enhance youth skills, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The SDRPY’s work in Yemen includes restoring sports facilities, sponsoring tournaments, providing technical support and sports education, and developing athletic skills among Yemeni children.

Various sports tournaments have been organized by the development agency to provide young Yemeni athletes with opportunities to compete, the SPA added.

In recent years, it has helped restore the Ali Asad Muthanna Sports Hall in Aden after a long period of disuse, providing youth with a renewed space to engage in physical activities.

It has also organized major tournaments in the country, including the Marib Football Championship, which involved 14 clubs and 588 young participants, and a basketball tournament in Hadramout, which involved 17 clubs and 289 young participants.

The agency celebrated the Yemeni U-17 national team for their victory in the West Asian Football Championship against the Saudi U-17 national squad in December 2021 as a gesture of encouragement and acknowledgment, the SPA reported.

In June 2020, SDRPY signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Saudi Ministry of Sport to support athletics in Yemen. Since then, it has backed 264 projects and initiatives across various sectors in the country, including sports, education, health, water, energy, and developmental programs.


Moma’s Garden: A Saudi family’s recipe for love

Updated 07 April 2025
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Moma’s Garden: A Saudi family’s recipe for love

  • Al-Mumen family blends culinary creativity, tradition in cozy Alkhobar restaurant
  • Teamwork brings comfort through home-like decor, modern twist on Arabic flavors

ALKHOBAR: In a quiet corner of Alkhobar, Moma’s Garden has become more than just a restaurant — it is a family-run establishment at which hospitality is as important as the food itself. With another branch in Dammam, the restaurant is entirely operated by the Al-Mumen family, whose members take on various roles to run its daily operations.

The atmosphere of Moma’s Garden is intentionally just like home. Sunlight filters through white curtains, casting a warm glow over wooden tables and lush greenery. The walls are adorned with framed family photographs, reflecting a history deeply intertwined with the restaurant’s identity.

The restaurant’s wishing tree, where visitors leave handwritten notes, is a symbol of community and connection. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

Moma’s Garden started as a small venture in a Dammam hotel, a modest space that helped to lay the foundation for what would later become a larger family project.

Abdulfattah Al-Mumen, the father, said: “At first we opened Moma’s Garden in a hotel in Dammam. It was a small place, but it was big in our hearts, and that’s where our story began. Now, with our second branch in Alkhobar, our journey continues.

For many visitors Moma’s Garden is not just a restaurant but a place shaped by personal stories, dedication, and a deep appreciation for hospitality. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

“It is built on the passion of our family, my wife’s creativity, and our children’s experiences from traveling and living abroad. They learned to cook for their friends, and today they are capable of managing businesses, finances, architecture, and law.”

And while each member of the family brings something to the table, Al-Mumen said: “The mastermind behind all the creativity is my wife. In the end we are simply a family that enjoys cooking and being together.”

We are not just running a business. We are sharing our passion, our creativity, and our love for food. At the end of the day what matters most is that we continue to do what we love together.

Abdulfattah Al-Mumen

Abdulhadi, their young son, told Arab News: “I handle the front desk, my mother oversees the menu and its development, Hassan manages finances, and Bayan handles legal matters.”

However, the roles are not set in stone and each family member steps up as needed. Abdulhadi added: “My father and I collaborate on architectural and design aspects … Sometimes my father is a waiter and sometimes I cook in the kitchen. We all share responsibilities.”

For many visitors Moma’s Garden is not just a restaurant but a place shaped by personal stories, dedication, and a deep appreciation for hospitality. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

At the heart of Moma’s Garden is Intessar, the matriarch who personally oversees the menu and ingredient selection, ensuring that every dish meets her high standards.

She said: “Finding the right ingredients can be difficult. Every day I go out myself and handpick what we use. Maybe that’s why this place feels like home to so many people. Even the local vendors recognize me now and know I won’t settle for anything less than top quality.

Moma's Garden isn't just a restaurant -- it's a place shaped by stories, dedication, and hospitality.

“Our dishes are not traditionally Arabic, but we’ve given them a modern twist infused with Arabic elements, like shakshuka and date toast.”

This hands-on approach and commitment to fresh ingredients help define Moma’s Garden’s philosophy.

Every dish tells a story – Carefully crafted recipes with a modern twist. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

The setting at Moma’s Garden is carefully designed to create a welcoming and relaxed environment. The wooden tables, soft pastel hues, and an abundance of plants contribute to an atmosphere that encourages guests to unwind and enjoy their meal.

A unique feature is the wishing tree, where visitors leave handwritten notes — a symbol of community and connection that has become an integral part of the restaurant’s charm.

“I always come to Moma’s Garden” – Roa Khushina, a regular guest. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

Al-Mumen said: “We select our ingredients as if we are choosing them for our own home, so that our guests feel like they are in their second home, not just any restaurant.

“We want them to feel like they are visiting us, like guests in our own house.”

A family’s journey on the walls – Framed photographs tell the story of the Al-Mumen family. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

For many customers, this sense of familiarity is what keeps them coming back.

Roa Khushina, a fitness trainer and regular at the establishment, said: “I always come to Moma’s Garden — it’s honestly one of the best restaurants in Alkhobar. Their dishes are excellent, diverse, and they even offer healthy options.”

Moma’s Garden – AlKhubar, Saudi Arabia. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

Running a restaurant as a family comes with its own challenges, particularly in hiring staff who align with the restaurant’s vision.

Hassan, the eldest son, said: “We don’t just look for employees — we look for people who fit our culture, who see this place as more than just a job. It takes us four to five months to find the right person.”

Despite occasional differences in opinion, the Al-Mumen family views these challenges as an essential part of working together and evolving the business.

“These challenges make our family stronger, and we see ourselves as partners in success,” he added.

With two established locations, the family remains committed to maintaining quality rather than expanding too quickly.

“We are not just running a business,” said Al-Mumen. “We are sharing our passion, our creativity, and our love for food. At the end of the day what matters most is that we continue to do what we love together.”

For many visitors Moma’s Garden is not just a restaurant but a place shaped by personal stories, dedication, and a deep appreciation for hospitality.