Saudi Crown Prince Discusses Latest Developments with CENTCOM Commander

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman met in Jeddah yesterday with U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Brad Cooper and his accompanying delegation. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that the meeting reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries and recent developments in the region.

Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance expressed concern yesterday over the Houthi militia’s control of Perim Island in the Red Sea, emphasizing that the situation is being monitored “very closely.” Speaking to reporters at a Kansas airport, Vance said, “We are in constant contact with the Emiratis, Saudis, and other affected parties in the region,” stressing that it is “a matter the U.S. administration is paying close attention to and following up on.” He added, “We have held direct talks with the Houthis themselves. Therefore, we feel we have the situation under control and understand the details,” noting that “the situation is characterized by significant volatility and constant change, but we will continue to monitor it while ensuring the protection of core U.S. interests.”

In a related development, UAE Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed regional developments and efforts to enhance security and stability in the region during two phone calls with Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty. The UAE Foreign Minister also reviewed regional developments and ways to strengthen efforts to consolidate the foundations of sustainable security and stability in the region.

Previously, bin Zayed held two other phone calls with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, discussing regional developments of mutual interest and ways to achieve sustainable security and stability in the region.

Meanwhile, the European Union strongly condemned yesterday the Houthi militia’s attacks on Yemen and Saudi Arabia, reaffirming its full solidarity with both countries and calling for renewed peace efforts to reach a sustainable ceasefire.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also condemned the Houthi militia’s attack on Saudi Arabia yesterday, affirming the EU’s solidarity with its Gulf partners in the face of continuous attacks launched by Iran’s proxies. In a post on the X platform, von der Leyen stated that she “condemns the Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia,” emphasizing that the EU will continue to work with its partners to ensure “safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz” and to enhance stability in the Middle East region.

For her part, EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, Dubravka Šuica, said in a post on X that she “strongly condemns the Houthi attacks in Yemen and against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia” and expressed her full solidarity with both countries. She called for renewed peace efforts, affirming the EU’s support for Yemen’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, as well as its full backing of UN-led mediation efforts and regional initiatives aimed at achieving a sustainable ceasefire. She reiterated the EU’s call for a comprehensive, inclusive, and sustainable peace in Yemen and the broader region, alongside ensuring freedom of navigation and maritime security. The European official stressed that achieving peace and stability in Yemen and the region requires continuing diplomatic efforts and supporting initiatives to end the conflict and enhance regional security and stability.

For its part, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan expressed deep concern over the situation in the Middle East, including attacks on the territory of Saudi Arabia. It strongly condemned any hostile acts against civilians, civilian infrastructure, and energy facilities, as well as any actions that threaten the security of regional countries and international navigation. The ministry emphasized the need for strict adherence to international law, including respect for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of states, calling for the resolution of emerging conflicts exclusively through political and diplomatic means based on dialogue and mutual respect. It also endorsed the efforts of the United Nations and regional countries aimed at de-escalating tensions, preventing the spread of the conflict, and establishing lasting peace in the Middle East.