Daijiworld Media Network (SR)
UAE, May 19: King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Ruler of Saudi Arabia and custodian of the two holy mosques has called the heads of state of Arab League and the leaders of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for two emergency summits in Makkah on May 30, 2019, to discuss the critical circumstances the region is going through and their consequences on regional peace and stability.
The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said King Salman has invited the Gulf leaders to look into the recent acts of sabotage against commercial vessels off the UAE waters and attacks on two oil pumping stations in Riyadh region using unmanned drones, and their consequences in the region. Tensions have mounted in the Gulf region, with the United Sates deploying an aircraft carrier and bombers there over alleged threats from Iran.
An official spokesperson from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs was quoted by SPA as saying that the call comes in line with the Saudi King's keenness to "Consult and coordinate with the brethren leaders of the GCC member states as well as the leaders of Arab League countries, in all matters that would enhance the security and stability in the region."
The Saudi Minister of Sate for Foreign Affairs Adel Al Jubeir said the Iran regime, is not looking for security and stability in the region and accused Iran of committing countless crimes. He said Saudi Arabia is doing its best to avoid war in the region but stands ready to respond with "all strength and determination" to defend itself from any threat. Riyadh "does not want war, is not looking for it and will do everything to prevent it." He urged the International community to take responsibility to stop Iran from doing so. Al Jubeir said "The kingdom affirms that its hand is always extended for peace and seeks to achieve it, and believes that the peoples of the region, including the Iranian people, have the right to live in security and stability and to move towards development". The United Arab Emirates has welcomed King Salman's invitation.
Four vessels, including two Saudi oil tankers were damaged in mysterious sabotage attacks last Sunday off UAE's Fujairah, located at the crucial entrance to the Gulf. Iran has repeatedly threatened to prevent shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, which is considered the world's most important chokepoint and accounts for roughly 40% of all world traded oil which is around 19 Million Barrels per day. Al jubeir said the United Arab Emirates was leading the probe into the damaged oil tankers, but added "we have some indications and we will make the announcements once the investigations are completed."
Foreign Minister of Iran was quoted by the state run IRNA news agency on Saturday as saying his country is "not seeking war" even as the chief of Iran's Revolutionary Guard said Tehran was in a "full-fledged intelligence war with the US."