JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet has reaffirmed its firm rejection of Iran’s repeated attacks on commercial ships and oil tankers, describing the incidents as a dangerous escalation and a direct threat to the safety and security of international maritime navigation.
The Saudi Cabinet also reiterated that these attacks constitute a grave violation of international laws and norms and a blatant defiance of the Security Council resolution obligating respect for commercial vessels’ freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and condemning any threats or actions obstructing it, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Tuesday.
Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the Cabinet session held in Jeddah.
#عاجـــــــل🚨:#خادم_الحرمين_الشريفين الملك #سلمان_بن_عبدالعزيز يرأس جلسة #مجلس_الوزراء في قصر السلام في جدة.🇸🇦#السعودية #الديوان_الملكي pic.twitter.com/vvmN9u6hqy
— خالد بن فرحان (@KHALID_GR2030) August 18, 2026
The Cabinet reviewed Saudi Arabia’s recent discussions and consultations with brotherly and friendly countries aimed at strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation across various fields, promoting mutual interests, and contributing to regional and international security and stability.
Saudi-led Multinational Maritime Defence Alliance welcomed
The Cabinet welcomed the institutional and operational launch of the Saudi-led Multinational Maritime Defence Alliance following the completion of its organisational and planning frameworks.
The development marks a new phase of joint efforts toward full operational readiness, with the alliance tasked with strengthening collective maritime security, safeguarding freedom of navigation through key straits and waterways, and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of international trade and global supply chains.
#PICTURES: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman chairs a Cabinet session in Jeddah pic.twitter.com/aHbX4SgIyo
— Saudi Gazette (@Saudi_Gazette) August 18, 2026
Regarding bilateral relations, the Cabinet noted that the establishment of the Saudi-Sudanese Coordination Council reflects the two countries’ shared commitment to institutionalising joint coordination and advancing cooperation and integration.
The council is expected to translate this commitment into concrete initiatives, projects, and outcomes that serve the interests and aspirations of both nations.
The Cabinet also commended the Kingdom’s successful presidency of the 16th session of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Conference of the Parties (COP16), which helped launch international partnerships and initiatives to address land degradation, desertification, and drought.
These efforts also aim to strengthen water and food security, support climate adaptation, and promote innovative solutions for environmental protection and sustainable development.
Saudi Arabia’s world’s major donor countries
On World Humanitarian Day, observed on August 19, the Cabinet expressed pride in Saudi Arabia’s leading humanitarian role and its position among the world’s major donor countries.
The Cabinet highlighted the Kingdom’s longstanding tradition of generosity and its continued commitment to providing humanitarian aid, assistance, and disaster relief to countries and communities affected by crises and disasters around the world.
On the domestic front, as the new academic year approaches, the Cabinet reviewed key achievements in the education sector, particularly efforts to enhance organisational and operational efficiency, strengthen educational institutions, broaden students’ scientific knowledge and expertise, and develop teachers’ professional capabilities.
Also Read: Saudi Arabia Condemns Iranian Attacks on UAE Tankers in Strait of Hormuz
The Cabinet also highlighted initiatives to provide high-quality learning environments supported by advanced curricula and specialised programmes that encourage innovation and creativity, contributing to human capital development and the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
The Cabinet also commended the Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) financial performance and continued progress toward its targets, evidenced by revenue and net profit growth in 2025.
This reflects PIF’s ongoing drive to spur economic diversification in the Kingdom, expand domestic and international investments, and bolster key strategic sectors, including artificial intelligence, technology, energy, infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing.
The Cabinet praised government agencies’ tangible progress in the 2026 Digital Experience Maturity Index, reflecting ongoing commitment to developing operations, innovating flexible and effective technological solutions, and delivering top-tier procedures and services to citizens, residents, and visitors, in line with the Kingdom’s leadership and competitiveness in international rankings and indicators.
