Stop it, brothers of Noura... Stop it, rulers of the Gulf

“Enough, O brothers of Noura,” for the falcons of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia did not accept that the disguised aggression against them, originating from Iraqi territory via Iranian drones, should continue. Thus, their response was twice as severe.

In contrast, the coalition invited by the Kingdom, which 14 countries have joined—including Kuwait and the other Gulf states—to protect waterways, is an international step blessed by all the leaders of the region. It also serves as a message with significant strategic depth to those who understand that the status quo will not be tolerated by nations seeking stability in this internationally sensitive region.

Both steps have implications at the international and regional levels. Regarding the first, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stated that Iran’s proxy groups have crossed all red lines. From today onward, diplomatic solutions alone are no longer sufficient; if there are any attempts by anyone to violate sovereignty, surgical operations are ready to excise the disease.

As for the second, the maritime coalition for safeguarding waterways negates any Iranian attempts to monopolize the straits, and the situation must return to how it was before this war.

The most expressive message, however, is that the fate of the region is determined by its own countries, particularly the most influential economic and political power—here, I refer to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, which have suffered greatly from Iranian aggression. For years, and not just during the recent war, they have attempted to resolve matters through the best means. However, the most recalcitrant party, Tehran, did not take this seriously and secretly violated the Beijing agreement between itself and Riyadh.

Today, the situation has changed, and a completely different vision, divergent from what was previously dominant, is required.

In this regard, reports have spoken of a Gulf move to stop the Houthi enemy from his reckless adventures. If these reports are true, the strategic picture will be entirely different from what existed before this war.

Here, we must state clearly: Today, we feel proud of the Saudi response to the terrorism of Iranian groups. We recognize that the falcons of Kuwait and its armed forces possess great capabilities to discipline anyone attempting to violate the state’s sovereignty, as do all our Gulf forces. This means we are not “weak and lowly,” and that patience and wisdom are not signs of weakness.

The rulers and leaders of these states work to preserve the lives of the Gulf people. When they support any political move, they understand that the best wars are those that are not fought. However, if war is imposed upon you, the response must be harsh to discipline the troublemaker. Self-defense, both legally and religiously, is a right that no one can dispute.

Therefore, I am among the first supporters of this response, and indeed of any response to any aggression, no matter how small. Since February 28 last year, we have been receiving missiles and drones from our bad-neighbor Iran and from militias it planted in the region as part of a malicious plot. The Gulf governments handled matters through diplomatic channels, hoping that the bad-neighbor would desist. But instead, he persisted in his wrongdoing.

In this regard, we say in the dialect of the Gulf people: “Enough, O people of the Gulf! What do you have but a little? Forget the differences and some trivialities, and preserve your unity. Today, those around us are counting a hundred calculations against us. How much more so if we are a single, integrated bloc?”

“Enough, O people of the Gulf! Believe me, our security lies in our unity, our strength in our mutual support, and our elevation in overlooking secondary matters. We are bound by one island, one language, one religion, customs, interests, and intermarriage... Enough, O Gulf rulers! Your Prophet is your example and your role model for solidarity.”

During the past Gulf crisis, I met Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad, may God have mercy on him, in the month of Ramadan. He visited Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, striving with all his strength to restore relations to their proper course. Whenever Kuwaiti officials, myself included, asked him why, despite his illness and the holy month, he was traveling between capitals so extensively and rapidly, his response, may God have mercy on him, was: “We are brothers, a source of comfort, and family; misunderstandings must not be allowed to widen.” Perhaps everyone today understands the meaning of the message he was trying to convey to us, may God have mercy on him.