RIYADH: Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain have informed the World Trade Organization (WTO) of the legality of severing diplomatic and consulate ties with Qatar, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
The four countries, which voiced their stance on the sidelines of a WTO meeting in Geneva, said they were practicing their sovereign rights guaranteed by international law and protecting their national security.
The Saudi Ministry of Commerce and Investment said the aim was to show the conformity of the decision by the four countries with WTO systems.
In a joint statement that was read at the meeting, the countries said their measures conform with Article 21 of the General Agreement on Trade in Goods, which states that in emergencies, member countries can take measures deemed necessary to protect their interests and national security.
Article 14 of the Services Agreement and Article 73 of the Intellectual Property Agreement also allow member countries to take measures to protect their national security and stability against violations.
KSA, UAE, Egypt, Bahrain show legality of measures against Qatar at WTO meeting
KSA, UAE, Egypt, Bahrain show legality of measures against Qatar at WTO meeting
Saudi Arabia stops ballistic missiles aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base
- Saudi Arabia’s cabinet on Tuesday strongly condemned Iranian attacks targeting the Kingdom
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia shot down seven ballistic missiles, the defense ministry said early Wednesday.
Six of the missiles were aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base, and the other was intercepted while heading to the Eastern Province.
Seven drones were knocked down heading to the Shaybah oil field in the Empty Quarter.
Thirteen drones were also shot down in Al-Kharj, Hafar Al-Batin, and other parts of the Eastern Province, the ministry said.
The war, launched by the US and Israel on Iran, has escalated, impacting regional stability and sparking a global energy crisis.
Saudi Arabia’s cabinet on Tuesday strongly condemned Iranian attacks targeting the Kingdom, Gulf states and other countries in the region, saying they threaten regional security and violate international law.
The cabinet session, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman via videoconference, reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s right to take all necessary measures to protect its security, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Brent crude hit a historic $120 a barrel on Monday before settling back down to $90 a barrel on Tuesday.
Amin Nasser, CEO of Aramco, the world’s top oil exporter, told reporters: “There would be catastrophic consequences for the world’s oil markets and the longer the disruption goes on ... the more drastic the consequences for the global economy.”
The White House said that gas prices will plummet once US objectives in the war are reached.
The conflict could stretch on for months despite US President Donald Trump saying that it could be drawing to a close. But Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has said it will end when they decide.
