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The GCC Ministerial Council issued a statement following its 50th extraordinary meeting on Sunday, addressing the recent regional developments and Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting member states.The following is the full text of the statement:The Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) held its 50th extraordinary meeting via videoconference on Sunday, 12 Ramadan 1447H, corresponding to March 1, 2026, chaired by His Excellency Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain and current President of the Ministerial Council of the GCC, with the participation of:His Excellency Mr Khalifa Shaheen Almarar, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman,His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, His Excellency Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait, and His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the GCC.The meeting was convened to discuss the Iranian attacks using missiles and drones against the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar, and the State of Kuwait, which began on Saturday, February 28, 2026.The Ministerial Council reviewed the extensive damage resulting from the treacherous Iranian attacks on these countries, which targeted civilian facilities, service sites, and residential areas, causing significant material damage, threatening the safety and lives of citizens and residents, and spreading fear among the population. The Council also discussed the necessary measures and steps to coordinate efforts aimed at restoring security and stability and achieving peace in the region.The Ministerial Council expressed its rejection and condemnation in the strongest terms of these heinous Iranian attacks targeting GCC countries, in addition to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The Council affirmed that these attacks constitute a serious violation of the sovereignty of these countries, the principles of good neighborliness, and a clear breach of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, regardless of any justifications or pretexts. It further stressed that targeting civilians and civilian objects constitutes a grave violation of the rules of international humanitarian law.The Council also expressed full solidarity among the GCC countries and their unified stance in confronting these attacks, stressing that the security of GCC member states is indivisible, and that any attack against any member state constitutes a direct attack against all GCC countries, in accordance with the GCC Charter and the Joint Defense Agreement.The Council affirmed that GCC countries reserve their legal right to respond, in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which guarantees the right of self-defense, individually and collectively, in the event of aggression, and to take all necessary measures to safeguard their sovereignty, security, and stability.The Council commended the efficiency and readiness of the armed forces and air defense systems of member states, which successfully intercepted missile and drone attacks with a high level of professionalism, contributing to neutralizing the threat, mitigating its impact, and protecting lives, facilities, and vital assets.The Ministerial Council affirmed that, in light of this unjustified Iranian aggression against GCC countries, they will take all necessary measures to defend their security and stability and to protect their territories, citizens, and residents, including the option of responding to the aggression.Despite the numerous diplomatic efforts undertaken by the GCC countries to avoid escalation, and despite their affirmation that their territories would not be used to launch any attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran, the latter has continued to carry out military operations targeting GCC countries, affecting numerous civilian and residential facilities.The Ministerial Council underscored the necessity of an immediate cessation of these attacks to restore security, peace, and stability in the region. It underscored the vital importance of maintaining aerial and maritime security, protecting regional waterways, ensuring the integrity of supply chains, and guaranteeing the stability of global energy markets. The Council asserted that the stability of the Arabian Gulf region is not merely a regional concern but a fundamental pillar of global economic stability and maritime navigation.The Ministerial Council called upon the international community to strongly condemn and denounce these aggressions. It further urged the United Nations Security Council to fulfill its responsibilities by taking an immediate and firm stance to prevent these violations, which endanger civilian lives, and to ensure they are not repeated, given their grave repercussions for regional and international peace.The Ministerial Council expressed the member states’ gratitude and appreciation to the brotherly and friendly nations that condemned and denounced the Iranian aggression, expressing solidarity with the GCC and supporting the measures taken by the Council states to protect their sovereignty, security, and stability.The Council noted that the GCC states have always advocated for dialogue, negotiations, and the resolution of all issues with the Islamic Republic of Iran, praising the role of the Sultanate of Oman in this regard.The Council reaffirmed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in international relations as the sole path to overcome the current crisis and preserve regional security and the safety of its peoples. It warned that any escalation would undermine regional security and drag the region toward dangerous trajectories with catastrophic consequences for international peace and security.In conclusion, the Council expressed its deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. Source link
Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi discussed the dangerous military escalation in the region during a phone call with his US counterpart, Marco Rubio.During the call, Safadi condemned the unjustified Iranian attacks on Jordanian territory and on other Arab states, stressing that Jordan will take all necessary and available steps to safeguard its citizens, security, stability and sovereignty.He underscored the need to intensify efforts aimed at consolidating security and stability, and to pursue diplomacy as the means to end crises and de-escalate tensions in the region.For his part, Rubio affirmed the United States’ solidarity with Jordan in the face of Iranian attacks on its territory and expressed support for all measures taken to protect its citizens, security, and sovereignty. Source link
On a charged Ramadan night of fierce competition and edge-of-your-seat finales, the fourth and penultimate round of the 2025-2026 Qatar Drag Race Championship roared to a close at the Qatar Racing Club speed track. The round spanned three days: qualifying on the first two days and final eliminations on Friday, ending with the crowning of the top three winners in all eight categories.The event is held under the patronage of QRC Chairman His Excellency Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad al-Thani. In the INDEX 10.00 category, the final race featured a showdown between Abdulaziz al-Hail and Ahmed Hassan. Hassan had previously claimed the titles of the opening two rounds and was aiming for a third this season. Meanwhile, al-Hail was making his first appearance in a final race; however, that did not prevent him from capturing his maiden championship title, leaving Hassan in second place. The INDEX 9.00 category witnessed a completely new podium lineup this round, as Rameeh al-Rumaih secured his first title of the season with Bader al-Foudri finishing second. In the INDEX 8.50 (Cars) category, Hamdan al-Kaabi celebrated his second consecutive victory, earning his second title of the season. This time, he triumphed over Hamad al-Ajmi in the final. Over the eighth mile, the three car categories delivered fierce battles. In INDEX 4.80, Mohammed al-Furaih reached his third straight final and claimed his first title, defeating Rashid al-Juhani, while round two winner Saeed al-Balushi finished third. Al-Balushi returned to the podium once again – this time from the top step – after winning the INDEX 4.50 category title, marking his second triumph in this class. He secured victory over his brother Rashid, who faced him in the final race. Rashid, in turn, finished second for the second consecutive round, while Ibrahim Abbas Ibrahim, champion of the previous two rounds, claimed third place. Rashid al-Balushi made up for his earlier final defeat to his brother by winning the Super Street category final against Mohammed Ali Mohammed. This victory marked his third title in the category, following his wins in the first and second rounds. Al-Ansari claims two bike titles The INDEX 8.50 Bike class drew the round’s largest field, with 30 riders battling through eliminations. In the final, Abdullah al-Ansari – winner of the opening two rounds – defeated Shihab Bourbaa once again to claim his third title of the season. Bourbaa took second, while Mohammed Ali finished third. Al-Ansari then doubled his success in the Street Bike category, winning the final against Ghanem al-Dhaheri. Abdulwahab Bouqmaz secured third place, marking his second podium finish of the season. QRC General Manager Sheikh Jabor bin Khalid al-Thani crowned the top three winners in each category. Related Story Source link
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Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman discussed regional developments amid ongoing military escalation during a phone call.The conversation addressed the repercussions of the escalation on regional and international security.During the call, the Sultan of Oman stressed the necessity of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations. Source link
The third edition of the Al Thumama Ramadan Football Tournament showcased exceptional organisation and spirited competition, attracting wide community attention in the Al-Thumama area. Chairman of the Central Municipal Council, Mohammed bin Ali Al-Athba, praised the event, saying, “One of the tournament’s main objectives was to discover and develop young football talents by providing them with an opportunity to showcase their skills to the public and those interested in sports. This contributes to supporting the development of Qatari football and supplying clubs with promising talents for the future.” He highlighted the tournament’s growth in team participation, audience turnout, and match quality, noting the discipline and sportsmanship that strengthened bonds among the youth. He also commended Hassan bin Ali al-Ishaq, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, for his leadership and meticulous management, which ensured a safe and successful event. The Al-Thumama Championship, being held at Al Furjan Stadium in cooperation with the Qatar Sports for All Federation, is featuring 13 teams in the 10–14 age group. Meanwhile, Yousef Abdulnoor, Director of the tournament, confirmed its resounding success. “The upcoming matches in both groups will witness fierce competition for first and second place, as all four teams in each group have a chance to qualify for the semi-finals. Therefore, the coming days will be filled with exciting matches that will be enjoyed by the fans and followers of the Al Thumama Ramadan Tournament,” he said. He added: “The Al Thumama Ramadan Tournament has gained significant and positive recognition among a large segment of the community. Despite its limited resources and modest support, it has firmly established itself among Ramadan tournaments.” Source link
Protesters gather during an anti-US and Israel protest in Srinagar Sunday. (AFP) Several thousand protesters joined street demonstrations in Indian-administered Kashmir Sunday to protest against the killing of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei after strikes by the US and Israel.Protesters holding red, black, and yellow flags converged on the main square in the heart of Srinagar, the main city of Indian Kashmir.Many of them chanted anti-Israel and anti-US slogans during the emotionally charged but largely peaceful gathering.”This day we are all very heavy hearted. We are mourning our beloved leader who was martyred,” Syed Towfeeq, 40, told AFP.”We all have a message for the (US President Donald) Trump… We will always stand against your oppression.”If you think that you have martyred our beloved leader, you are in an illusion… You cannot oppress while we, the sons of Khamenei, are alive.”Another protester, Ishfaq Wani, 43, urged Muslim countries to unite “under one flag”.Similar protests were held in other places across Kashmir and other parts of India.Omar Abdullah, chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir state, said he was “deeply concerned” about the developments in Iran.He also urged protesters to remain calm and “avoid any actions that could lead to tension or unrest”.”We must also ensure that those who are mourning in Jammu and Kashmir are allowed to grieve peacefully,” he said on X.Iranian state television reported Khamenei’s death in the early hours of Sunday, broadcasting archive images with a black banner.Iranian media also reported the deaths of his daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter. Related Story Source link
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz received a phone call from Kuwaiti Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah.During the call, they condemned the Iranian attacks targeting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Kuwait, and several other countries in the region, which undermine security and stability. They also affirmed their solidarity and commitment to providing all possible support for any measures taken. Source link
Stuttgart’s Jamie Leweling celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the Bundesliga match against Wolfsburg in Stuttgart Sunday. (AFP) Jamie Leweling grabbed a first-half brace and Deniz Undav scored again as Stuttgart cruised to a 4-0 home victory over Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga Sunday. Nikolas Nartey scored in stoppage time as the German Cup holders drew level with third-placed Hoffenheim on 46 points. Stuttgart are five points ahead of fifth-placed RB Leipzig, who play at Hamburg in Sunday’s late game. Leweling praised coach Sebastian Hoeness, who reached 100 Bundesliga games as Stuttgart manager. “He developed me into the player I am today. He helped me a lot, gave me a lot of confidence,” said Leweling. “I think I’ve been repaying him with my performances – of course not always with two goals every game.” Wolfsburg, who haven’t been relegated since promotion to the Bundesliga in 1997, have won just one of their last 10 games and now sit second bottom, three points from safety. Stuttgart welcomed the Wolves to south-western Germany fresh from beating Celtic 4-2 over two legs to reach the Europa League last 16, where they will face Porto. Undav pounced on a poor clearance to put Stuttgart ahead with his 14th league goal after 21 minutes. Chris Fuehrich found Leweling on the half-hour mark to double Stuttgart’s lead and the Germany winger scored again just before half-time, volleying in from the right side of the box. Stuttgart added a fourth late on as Nartey scored with the final kick of the match. Goals from Fares Chaibi and Jean-Matteo Bahoya took Eintracht Frankfurt to a 2-0 home win over Freiburg, lifting the hosts past the visitors into seventh spot. Chaibi snuck a low shot into the bottom corner with 64 minutes gone. With nine minutes remaining, the Algerian passed to Bahoya who guided the ball over Freiburg’s Noah Atubolu and into the net. Frankfurt have now nabbed seven points from four matches since Spaniard Albert Riera took over as manager, with their only loss coming at league leaders Bayern Munich. Related Story Source link