Saudi Cabinet Rejects Iranian Vessel Attacks, Welcomes Maritime Alliance
JEDDAH, August 18 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired a Cabinet session in Jeddah that addressed maritime security, international cooperation and several domestic policy matters.
The Cabinet welcomed the institutional and operational activation of the Saudi-led Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance after the completion of its organizational and planning frameworks.
The alliance is moving into a phase intended to establish full operational readiness, strengthen collective maritime security, protect freedom of navigation through waterways and straits, and support international trade and global supply chains.
The Cabinet rejected repeated Iranian attacks against commercial vessels and tankers, describing them as a dangerous escalation and a direct threat to maritime navigation. It said the attacks violated international laws and norms and defied a Security Council resolution requiring respect for the navigational rights of commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Five international cooperation measures covering nuclear technology, public-private partnerships, consumer protection, anti-corruption information exchange and customs assistance were also considered during the session.
The Cabinet authorized the chairman of the Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission, or a deputy, to negotiate and sign a draft memorandum with Malaysia covering safety, security and safeguards for peaceful nuclear technology applications.
It approved a memorandum between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait on public-private partnerships and authorized the minister of commerce, or a deputy, to negotiate and sign a draft consumer protection memorandum with the Tunisian Ministry of Trade and Export Development.
The president of the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, or a deputy, was authorized to sign a draft model agreement governing information exchange among members of the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities, known as the GlobE Network.
The Cabinet also approved a memorandum of cooperation between the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority and the New Zealand Customs Service on mutual administrative assistance in customs matters.
On bilateral relations, the Cabinet said the establishment of the Saudi-Sudanese Coordination Council would provide an institutional framework for initiatives, projects and defined objectives between the two countries. Ministers also reviewed Saudi Arabia’s recent consultations with brotherly and friendly nations on bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
The Cabinet praised Saudi Arabia’s presidency of the 16th session of the UNCCD Conference of the Parties, which produced international partnerships and initiatives addressing land degradation, desertification, drought, water and food security, climate adaptation and environmental protection.
Ahead of World Humanitarian Day on August 19, the Cabinet highlighted Saudi Arabia’s role among international donor nations and its record of providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to countries and communities in need.
Domestic discussions covered preparations for the new academic year, including the efficiency of educational institutions, student scientific expertise, teacher capabilities, learning environments and specialized curricula.
The Cabinet also reviewed the Public Investment Fund’s 2025 financial performance, including higher revenue and net profit, together with its work across artificial intelligence, technology, energy, infrastructure and advanced manufacturing.
Government agencies’ results in the 2026 Digital Experience Maturity Index were also examined, with the Cabinet highlighting technological solutions and public services provided to citizens, residents and visitors.
Source: SPA
