Saudi Arabia Executes Six Iranians for Drug Trafficking

Saudi Arabian officials have stated they are "not in a rush" to establish normalized relations with Israel, highlighting the importance of a two-state solution as a prerequisite for any formal ties. This statement comes as former U.S. President Donald Trump advocates for the inclusion of Saudi Arabia in the Abraham Accords, a series of agreements aimed at normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab nations. In ongoing efforts to mediate the situation, Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, is set to visit both Saudi Arabia and Israel to discuss a potential ceasefire deal and normalization talks. Trump aims to strengthen U.S.-Saudi ties, proposing an investment of $1 trillion from Saudi Arabia, alongside calls for lower oil prices. Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan emphasized the longstanding strategic relationship between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, asserting that mutual benefits and cooperation will persist under Trump's leadership.

Saudi Arabian officials have stated they are not in a hurry to normalize relations with Israel, highlighting that any future ties are contingent upon establishing a Palestinian state as part of a two-state solution. This announcement comes amid former U.S. President Donald Trump's efforts to incorporate Saudi Arabia into the Abraham Accords, a series of agreements aimed at promoting peace in the Middle East. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, is scheduled to visit both Saudi Arabia and Israel, focusing on negotiations for a ceasefire agreement and discussions regarding normalization. Trump is also advocating for significant Saudi investment in the U.S., with a targeted amount of $1 trillion, alongside initiatives to lower oil prices. Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan emphasized the importance of longstanding strategic relations between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, noting the mutual benefits of continued cooperation under Trump’s influence.

Saad Almadi, a 74-year-old American-Saudi dual citizen, is reportedly facing coercion from Saudi authorities to renounce his U.S. citizenship after being imprisoned for social media posts critical of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Following his release from a Saudi prison in March 2023, Almadi received an exit ban preventing him from returning to his home in Florida. His son, Ibrahim Almadi, claims that Saudi officials threatened his father with further restrictions if he did not comply with the demands to give up his American citizenship. According to a U.S.-based human rights group, Almadi is among several dual nationals expressing similar concerns regarding coercive practices by the Saudi government aimed at silencing dissent. Ibrahim has criticized the Biden administration's response to his father's situation, stating that if this were a matter involving countries like Russia or Iran, the U.S. would have acted more decisively. The Saudi government, which does not recognize dual citizenship, has maintained that its actions are part of broader efforts to combat corruption and security threats. U.S. officials have confirmed that Almadi remains a U.S. citizen and are working to provide him with consular support. Advocacy groups are calling for greater U.S. intervention to assist Almadi and other detained or restricted American citizens in Saudi Arabia.