As efforts to preserve security and stability in the Middle East continue, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan held separate phone calls with British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband and Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani.
The talks addressed developments in the region, as well as efforts to strengthen security and stability.
Diplomatic efforts and sea routes with the United Kingdom
According to a statement by the Saudi Foreign Ministry, Faisal bin Farhan and Ed Miliband discussed ways to develop relations between the two countries and increase joint cooperation and coordination.
The two sides also assessed the impact of regional and international developments on security and stability. They underscored the importance of intensifying diplomatic efforts to ease tensions.
They noted that strengthening the security and safety of international waterways and preserving freedom of maritime navigation would contribute to maintaining supply chains and international trade.
Regional security agenda with Bahrain
Faisal bin Farhan's separate phone call with Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani also addressed regional developments and efforts to preserve security and stability.
Tensions continue in the Middle East
The talks took place at a time when Gulf countries and Jordan were being subjected to attacks said to originate from Iran. Iran argued that the attacks were in response to US attacks against it, while the countries targeted condemned them.
The Islamabad Memorandum signed by Washington and Tehran on June 17, 2026, provided for halting military operations and initiating arrangements to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic. The White House sent the text of the agreement to Congress the following day.
The process later faltered because of disputes over implementation of the memorandum and maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Clashes resumed in July.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on September 1 that his country would take steps in response if the US administration fulfilled its obligations under the memorandum.
On the same day, US Central Command announced that a new wave of attacks had been carried out against military targets said to belong to Iran. According to the statement, the targets included air defense elements, radars, naval assets, mine-laying capabilities and communications facilities.
