Saudi Cabinet vows decisive response to attacks on oil facilities
JEDDAH — Saudi Arabia's Cabinet on Tuesday reaffirmed that the Kingdom will not tolerate threats to its security, national interests and critical infrastructure, condemning attacks by Iran-backed militias in Yemen and Iraq on oil facilities in the Riyadh and Eastern regions and on commercial vessels
JEDDAH — Saudi Arabia's Cabinet on Tuesday reaffirmed that the Kingdom will not tolerate threats to its security, national interests and critical infrastructure, condemning attacks by Iran-backed militias in Yemen and Iraq on oil facilities in the Riyadh and Eastern regions and on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.The Cabinet stressed that Saudi Arabia will respond decisively to hostile acts in accordance with international humanitarian law, customary international law and the principle of proportionality. It also called on the Iraqi government to take all necessary measures to prevent its territory from being used as a launchpad for attacks against the Kingdom.The session, chaired by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, reviewed regional developments, including the Crown Prince's telephone conversations with Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham.The Cabinet also reviewed Saudi Arabia's ongoing diplomatic efforts with regional and international partners to reduce tensions, contain escalation, safeguard navigation in the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea, and support regional and international stability.It reaffirmed the Kingdom's commitment to dialogue, diplomacy and international cooperation, emphasizing the importance of respecting state sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, good-neighborly relations, freedom of navigation and adherence to international law.On domestic affairs, the Cabinet highlighted the issuance of Saudi Arabia's new General Education Law, describing it as a major step toward strengthening governance of the education sector, improving learning outcomes and expanding the role of the private and non-profit sectors.The Cabinet also praised the Quality of Life Program for surpassing its economic and development targets, citing its contribution to non-oil GDP growth and the expansion of culture, sports, entertainment and tourism sectors.It further welcomed Saudi Arabia's ranking as the regional leader for the fourth consecutive year in the United Nations ESCWA Government Electronic and Mobile Services Maturity Index, attributing the achievement to continued digital transformation and the adoption of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence.Among its decisions, the Cabinet approved designating 2027 as the "Year of Water."The Cabinet also approved transferring a range of digital and operational real estate documentation services, including the Real Estate Exchange platform and related systems, to the Real Estate General Authority within six months as part of efforts to strengthen the Kingdom's integrated real estate ecosystem.In addition, it extended for one year the requirement that labor disputes first be referred to labor offices for amicable settlement before being filed with labor courts.