LONDON: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Affairs State Minister Adel Al-Jubier said the European Union is right in blaming Iran for attacking Aramco’s facilities, stressing that Tehran does not respect the sovereignty of states nor international law.
In remarks made on Monday at a London-based think tank, Al-Jubeir stressed that Saudi Arabia is “convinced through evidence it has (collected) that Iran is involved in the Aramco attacks.”
The Arab coalition fighting to restore the internationally-recognized government in Yemen said an attack on Saudi Arabia on Sept. 14, which triggered the biggest jump in oil prices in almost 30 years, was carried out with Iranian weapons. However, Tehran denies responsibility and the Iranian-backed Houthi militia claimed it was behind the attack.
Following the attack, Britain, Germany and France backed the United States and blamed Iran for the attack on the Kingdom’s oil facilities, urging Tehran to agree to new talks with world powers on its nuclear and missile programs and regional security issues.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also thanked the European nations for their statement blaming Iran, saying, “This will strengthen diplomacy and the cause of peace.”
Al-Jubeir said Iranian arms are being extended to a number of Arab states.
He said the attack on Aramco facilities reflect Tehran’s hostile intentions in the region, adding: “we are convinced that the missiles that had hit the Saudi oil facilities were Iranian.”
Regarding the Iranian nuclear deal, the Saudi minister said that it has “flaws” as it “does not include Iran’s ballistic missile activity and its hostile interventions in regional affairs.”
“We frequently said we do not want a war, but we remain arms folded in the face of such attacks,” Al-Jubeir said.
EU countries right to blame Iran for Saudi Aramco attacks: Al-Jubeir
EU countries right to blame Iran for Saudi Aramco attacks: Al-Jubeir
- The Kingdom is convinced Iran was behind the Sept. 14 attack from evidence collected
- Al-Jubeir says attack on Aramco facilities reflect Tehran’s hostile intentions in the region
Najran’s camels are embedded in local culture and traditions
- Several distinct camel breeds are found in the region
- Animals permeate Arab consciousness, says expert
RIYADH: In Najran, camels are not only a vital livestock resource but also a cornerstone of local identity and tradition.
According to Hadi Benyan Al-Amer, head of Najran’s Camel Association, the region has several distinct camel breeds.
Principal among them is the Awarik, an ancient Arabian lineage linked to territories where arak trees flourish, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
These light-colored, sparsely-haired camels possess remarkable resilience, and are prevalent across southern Arabia.
The Majahim are characterized by dark hues spanning black to brown, and excel in both milk yield and endurance.
The Asayil are prized for their sleek, lean physiques, and dominate in speed-based competitions.
Al-Amer said traditional water sources known as Odood, or traditional water wells and artesian wells, have sustained herders navigating the Empty Quarter’s grazing lands for generations.
These permanent water points, equipped with dedicated drinking basins for camels, showcase the animals’ extraordinary environmental resilience.
Among the principal wells accessible from Najran are Al-Minkhali, Abu Shadid, Hamra Nathil, Tamani, Umm Al-Wahat, and Khujaima.
Countless additional wells dot the Empty Quarter and adjacent territories, forming the backbone of camel owners’ far-reaching pastoral networks.
Dr. Hind bint Dawood Al-Shuqair of Najran University’s Arabic Language Department explained how camels have permeated Arab consciousness through legends and stories spanning thousands of years.
Representing endurance, power, and grace, they have become inseparable from Arab cultural identity.
Archaeological evidence at Al-Ukhdood, Mount Al-Tharwa and Hima, preserves through carvings and ancient artwork the deep bond between people and camels, Al-Shuqair said.
She drew attention to Saudi Arabia’s substantial investment in camel heritage, exemplified by proclaiming 2024 as the Year of the Camel.
This designation emphasizes their importance to national prosperity and cultural heritage while backing global initiatives to promote awareness of camels as valuable economic and cultural assets.
The Kingdom further demonstrates its commitment to protecting the animals through the annual King Abdulaziz Festival, the SPA reported.
