The initiative, implemented by the ministry as part of Saudi Arabia’s global religious outreach efforts, will be carried out in four phases during the Islamic year 1448H. The program is designed to facilitate Umrah and religious visits for selected guests from Muslim communities worldwide.

The first phase will include 250 pilgrims and Umrah performers from 16 Asian countries: Indonesia, Timor-Leste, the Philippines, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, Singapore, China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Mongolia.

Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, who also serves as general supervisor of the program, said the initiative reflects the Kingdom’s longstanding commitment to serving Islam and Muslims around the world.

He expressed appreciation for the support provided by King Salman and Crown Prince , stating that Saudi Arabia continues to prioritize enabling Muslims to perform Umrah and visit the holy sites under organized and comprehensive arrangements.

According to the ministry, participants will receive a range of services throughout their stay, including assistance with performing Umrah rituals, visits to the in Madinah, tours of Islamic and historical landmarks, and meetings with scholars and imams associated with the Two Holy Mosques.

Saudi officials said the program aims to strengthen ties among Muslim communities, promote cultural and religious exchange, and enhance communication between scholars, religious leaders and influential figures from different parts of the Islamic world.

The ministry noted that since its establishment, the Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program has hosted participants from more than 140 countries. Authorities said the initiative has developed an extensive operational framework to provide accommodation, transportation, religious guidance and logistical support to visiting guests.

The program forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to expand religious services and reinforce its role as the custodian of Islam’s holiest sites while promoting engagement with Muslim communities across multiple regions.

The ministry said preparations are underway to receive the first group of pilgrims and ensure the delivery of services in accordance with established operational and hospitality standards.

The reopening marks a significant step in Washington’s efforts to restore its diplomatic footprint in the Gulf after regional tensions eased under a U.S.-Iran agreement reached last week.

The embassy halted services in March after Iranian drone attacks targeted U.S. diplomatic facilities in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia following joint U.S.-Israeli military strikes against Iran. The State Department subsequently suspended operations at both missions as security concerns escalated across the region.

At the ceremony in Kuwait City, Rubio participated in the raising of the American flag over the embassy compound as officials announced the phased restoration of consular services.

A State Department spokesperson said the embassy would immediately resume emergency assistance for U.S. citizens, while additional visa, consular and diplomatic services would be reinstated gradually.

Rubio’s visit forms part of a three-country Gulf tour aimed at reinforcing regional partnerships and discussing implementation of the interim agreement between Washington and Tehran that ended hostilities and reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic.

The diplomatic mission began in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday and is focused on reassuring regional allies following months of conflict that disrupted energy markets and heightened security concerns throughout the Gulf.

The agreement signed last week halted fighting between the United States and Iran and established a framework for further negotiations on broader security and political issues. The accord also paved the way for the reopening of critical shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy transit corridors.

The restoration of embassy operations in Kuwait signals improving security conditions following the ceasefire, although U.S. officials have indicated that monitoring of regional threats remains ongoing.

Kuwait hosts a significant American military and diplomatic presence and has long served as a key partner for Washington’s security strategy in the Gulf.

Rubio’s regional consultations are expected to focus on the implementation of the U.S.-Iran agreement, maritime security, energy stability and broader efforts to prevent a renewed escalation of tensions in the Middle East.

The reopening of the embassy represents one of the most visible signs of normalization since the ceasefire took effect, restoring a diplomatic facility that had been shuttered for more than three months amid one of the region’s most serious security crises in recent years.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the June 19 strike killed Ali Husayn Al-Ulaywi, describing the operation as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt extremist networks capable of threatening American interests and allies.

In a statement, CENTCOM said the strike was intended to prevent terrorist groups from planning or carrying out attacks against the United States, its partners and its homeland.

The military did not disclose the precise location of the operation, details about the target’s role within Daesh, or whether any additional militants were killed.

The strike comes as the United States continues to conduct targeted operations against surviving Daesh elements in Syria, where the group maintains clandestine networks and sleeper cells despite losing the territory it once controlled.

Washington first deployed forces to Syria more than a decade ago to support Kurdish-led partner forces in the fight against Daesh after the group seized large areas of Syria and neighboring Iraq during its rapid expansion in 2014.

The US-led international coalition subsequently helped local forces dismantle the group’s self-declared caliphate through a series of military campaigns that recaptured major urban centers and strategic territory.

Although Daesh no longer controls significant territory, security officials have repeatedly warned that the organization remains capable of conducting insurgent attacks through decentralized cells operating in remote areas of Syria and Iraq.

In April, US and Syrian authorities announced that Syrian forces had assumed control of all major military bases previously used by coalition forces, reflecting a continued drawdown of the international mission.

American forces, however, have maintained the capability to carry out intelligence-driven strikes and special operations targeting senior militant figures viewed as threats to regional and international security.

US officials have consistently stated that preventing a resurgence of Daesh remains a central objective of American counterterrorism policy in Syria and Iraq.

The latest operation highlights Washington’s intention to preserve that capability even as responsibility for day-to-day security increasingly shifts to local authorities.

Municipal authorities say Israeli airstrikes conducted during the latest round of hostilities killed about 60 people in Tyre, destroyed 26 buildings and damaged roughly 1,000 homes, forcing tens of thousands of residents to flee after evacuation warnings were issued earlier this month.

The attacks followed Hezbollah rocket fire into Israel on March 2 in support of Iran, drawing extensive Israeli military strikes across southern Lebanon as regional tensions escalated.

Although fighting has largely subsided following last week’s U.S.-Iran agreement and a subsequent reduction in hostilities along the Lebanese front, evidence of the conflict remains visible throughout Tyre, where damaged buildings, shattered storefronts and piles of rubble continue to dominate several neighborhoods.

Heavy equipment operators have been working around the clock to clear roads and remove debris. Residents searching through collapsed buildings for personal belongings have often found little remaining of their homes.

Authorities estimate that more than two-thirds of those displaced from the city have returned since the ceasefire took hold, beginning efforts to restore normal life despite continuing security concerns.

Business owners are among those leading the recovery. Hussein Hassan, a barber who returned after fleeing with his family during the conflict, reopened his shop despite structural damage that left walls cracked and windows destroyed.

Across the city, merchants and homeowners are undertaking repairs while assessing losses caused by the bombardment. Ali Samhat, who operates a neighborhood mini-market damaged in an airstrike, said reconstruction efforts had begun immediately after residents returned.

The destruction has also affected members of Lebanon’s diaspora. Abbas Ashour, who lives and works in Britain, returned to search the remains of the apartment he had purchased and furnished for his family before it was destroyed during the fighting.

Despite the damage, local officials are attempting to revive economic activity ahead of the summer tourism season. Deputy Mayor Alwan Charafeddine said plans are moving forward to reopen beachfront businesses and establish new cafes and kiosks along the city’s coastline.

Tyre, known for its beaches and historical significance, remains one of southern Lebanon’s most important tourist destinations. Residents have gradually returned to public spaces, including the city’s waterfront, where families and visitors have resumed recreational activities following weeks of displacement.

Many residents, however, remain cautious about the future. Israeli forces continue to maintain positions in parts of southern Lebanon, and both sides have exchanged accusations and threats since the ceasefire came into effect.

For now, the city’s recovery reflects a determination among residents to rebuild livelihoods disrupted by conflict while hoping the current period of relative calm develops into a more lasting stability along the Israel-Lebanon border.

The talks focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and expanding political, economic and security ties, according to Syria’s state news agency SANA.

Berendsen was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Asylum and Migration Bart van den Brink during the visit, which comes amid a broader effort by European governments to re-engage with Syria following years of diplomatic isolation and conflict.

The meeting reflects Damascus’ ongoing campaign to rebuild relations with European capitals as the country seeks international support for reconstruction and economic recovery after more than a decade of civil war.

Syrian and European officials have increasingly discussed migration management, counterterrorism cooperation, border security and investment opportunities in sectors heavily damaged during the conflict, including energy, tourism and financial services.

The diplomatic engagement coincides with efforts to restore transportation links between Syria and Europe. Earlier this week, Syrian Airlines announced plans to launch its first direct flight between Damascus and Amsterdam since 2011, with services scheduled to begin during the first week of July.

The restoration of air links is viewed as a significant step toward reconnecting Syria with European markets and facilitating travel for businesspeople, diplomats and members of the Syrian diaspora.

Since the political transition in Damascus, several senior European officials have visited the Syrian capital. Foreign ministers from the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Italy have all held meetings with Syria’s new leadership as European governments reassess their policies toward the country.

For Syria, attracting foreign investment has become a central priority as authorities seek funding and expertise to rebuild infrastructure damaged by 14 years of conflict. International organizations estimate that reconstruction costs will run into hundreds of billions of dollars, while large sections of the country’s energy, transportation and public service networks require extensive rehabilitation.

European governments, meanwhile, have shown growing interest in cooperation on migration issues, particularly regarding the return of refugees and measures aimed at preventing renewed instability that could generate additional displacement toward Europe.

Wednesday’s meeting highlighted the gradual normalization of diplomatic contacts between Syria and European states as both sides explore areas of mutual interest in security, migration and economic development.

The visit also signals the Netherlands’ willingness to engage directly with Syria’s post-Assad leadership as regional and international actors continue to reshape their relationships with Damascus following the country’s political transition.

A small group of protesters interrupted Takaichi’s address with chants including “No to war!” and “Protect Article 9!,” according to television footage from the ceremony held in Itoman, Okinawa Prefecture. The demonstration reflected concerns among some Japanese citizens over recent policy shifts that have moved the country further from its postwar pacifist framework.

Takaichi, regarded as a security hawk, used her speech to honor those killed during the 1945 battle, in which approximately 200,000 people died. She said Japan remained committed to peace and reiterated the country’s pledge never to repeat the devastation of war.

“Whenever I reflect upon the regret of all those who perished in the war and the grief of the bereaved families, my heart is filled with profound sorrow,” Takaichi said. “Under our unwavering pledge never again to repeat the devastation of war, Japan has steadfastly moved forward on this path as a nation that places the highest value on peace.”

The protest comes as Japan accelerates changes to its security posture amid rising tensions in East Asia. In April, Tokyo eased restrictions on lethal arms exports, while Takaichi has continued to advocate revising Japan’s constitution, including provisions that limit the role of its military.

Article 9 of Japan’s constitution, adopted after World War Two, renounces war and restricts the use of force as a means of settling international disputes. Although Japan maintains Self-Defense Forces, successive governments have debated how broadly the clause should be interpreted in response to evolving regional security challenges.

Okinawa occupies a strategically important position in Japan’s southwestern island chain and hosts a substantial U.S. military presence. The prefecture’s proximity to Taiwan has heightened its significance as tensions between China and Taiwan continue to shape regional security calculations.

Takaichi’s government has expanded defense cooperation with regional partners, including the Philippines, increased military spending, and supported the acquisition of so-called counterstrike capabilities designed to respond to attacks against Japan.

Her security agenda has drawn criticism from Beijing, which accuses Tokyo of reviving wartime militarism. Relations between the two countries deteriorated further after Takaichi suggested last year that Japan could intervene militarily in the event of a Chinese attempt to take Taiwan.

China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the island under its control. Beijing has responded to recent Japanese statements with diplomatic criticism, trade restrictions and travel advisories for Chinese citizens visiting Japan.

The Okinawa ceremony, traditionally focused on remembrance and reconciliation, unfolded against the backdrop of those broader geopolitical tensions, underscoring how debates over Japan’s security future continue to intersect with memories of its wartime past.

The opposition, expressed through prayer vigils, carefully worded banners and coordinated public displays, marks a rare instance of visible public dissent in Vietnam, where demonstrations are uncommon and authorities maintain strict controls on political activism.

The redevelopment program is part of a 100-year master plan for Hanoi approved last month. Under the initiative, authorities have accelerated the demolition of homes in areas designated for new bridges, transportation links, parks and residential developments.

A key component of the plan centers on an 11,000-hectare stretch along the Red River, an area roughly comparable in size to Paris. City authorities intend to transform the district into a network of residential complexes, public green spaces and modern infrastructure, requiring the relocation of approximately 250,000 residents.

Residents affected by the project say uncertainty surrounding displacement has fueled anxiety. Hoa, whose two-story home falls within the planned redevelopment zone, said many families fear losing properties that represent their primary financial assets.

In recent weeks, hundreds of residents have participated in prayer gatherings at Buddhist temples across the Red River area. Organizers have largely remained anonymous, while details of the events have circulated through social media platforms.

The riverfront district encompasses longstanding communities characterized by traditional markets, gardens, family burial grounds and a mix of architectural styles ranging from French-era villas to densely built urban housing.

Some residents have also displayed banners urging authorities to preserve existing neighborhoods. Duc, a local resident, said he and neighbors deliberately chose moderate language in an effort to avoid direct confrontation with officials. He said authorities later requested that one such banner be removed.

Analysts say the public expressions reflect growing dissatisfaction over land acquisition and relocation policies. Tuong Vu, a Vietnam specialist at the University of Oregon, said residents have openly voiced concerns about losing homes and land as redevelopment advances.

Authorities have pledged compensation for displaced households and announced plans to construct up to 85,000 housing units on the outskirts of Hanoi. City officials have stated that replacement housing will provide living standards equal to or better than existing conditions.

However, some residents previously displaced under urban renewal projects have complained that compensation payments did not reflect market values. Others have questioned how long replacement housing will take to complete and how affected families will manage temporary accommodation costs.

The Red River project is being undertaken through a public-private partnership involving a consortium of three developers and carries an estimated value of $30 billion. Critics of the redevelopment effort argue that private companies stand to benefit from the construction of high-end residential projects on land currently occupied by established communities.

Land disputes remain a sensitive issue in Vietnam. In 2020, a confrontation linked to land expropriation for an airport project near Hanoi escalated into violence, resulting in the deaths of three police officers and one villager. Two protesters were later sentenced to death and more than two dozen others received prison terms.

Since that incident, public demonstrations over land-related grievances have become less frequent, according to analysts, making the recent expressions of opposition in Hanoi notable as authorities pursue one of the city’s most ambitious redevelopment programs.

The unexpected departure makes Donahue the latest senior military leader to leave his position during a broader Pentagon restructuring effort led by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has repeatedly called for reducing the number of senior officers while expanding resources devoted to frontline troops.

According to an Army statement, Donahue will relinquish command of U.S. Army Europe and Africa as well as NATO’s Allied Land Command. His deputy, Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, will assume his responsibilities on an interim basis.

A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Donahue spent much of his career in special operations forces, including command assignments with Delta Force in Iraq and Afghanistan. He later led the 82nd Airborne Division from 2020 to 2022.

Donahue became internationally known during the final stages of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. As commander responsible for security operations at Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport, he oversaw the evacuation effort that ended nearly two decades of American military involvement in the country.

On Aug. 30, 2021, Donahue boarded the final U.S. military aircraft departing Afghanistan, becoming the last American service member to leave the country. Images of the general walking toward a C-17 transport aircraft under night-vision conditions became one of the defining photographs of the withdrawal.

The Afghanistan exit has remained a politically contentious issue in Washington. President Donald Trump and Hegseth have repeatedly criticized the withdrawal, despite the operation having originated from an agreement negotiated between the Taliban and the first Trump administration.

Last month, Hegseth ordered a fresh Pentagon review of the withdrawal. The move came after multiple previous examinations conducted by the Department of Defense, U.S. Central Command, the State Department and congressional committees, which collectively reviewed extensive operational records, interviews and video evidence.

Despite criticism surrounding the evacuation, Donahue earned praise from military officials and lawmakers from both major political parties for his handling of the operation. Within defense circles, he had been viewed as a potential future Army chief of staff or candidate for chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

His departure also comes as the Army evaluates a possible restructuring of U.S. Army Europe and Africa. According to an Army official familiar with internal discussions, the command could be downgraded from a four-star headquarters to a three-star command as part of broader force adjustments.

The review coincides with renewed Pentagon scrutiny of America’s military posture in Europe and growing calls from U.S. officials for European allies to assume greater responsibility for regional defense.

Speaking to NATO allies last week, Hegseth said the Pentagon would conduct a six-month assessment of U.S. force deployments in Europe to determine whether alliance members are moving toward taking primary responsibility for the continent’s security.

The Pentagon has not publicly commented on the reasons behind Donahue’s departure.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed the release of the three activists, who were part of an international convoy seeking to transport humanitarian supplies, including medicine and temporary housing units, to the Gaza Strip.

According to the Global Sumud Flotilla, the group was among approximately 230 activists from multiple countries involved in the overland mission. The organization said the three Italians had crossed into neighboring Tunisia following their release and were accompanied by a Tunisian activist who had also been detained.

The activists were identified by Tajani as Domenico Centrone, Leonarda Alberizia and Matias Alvarez Rodriguez, an Italian citizen born in Uruguay.

The Global Sumud Flotilla said another six detainees were expected to be released within the next 24 hours. The organization alleged that those held had been subjected to arbitrary detention, communication restrictions and sustained psychological pressure during their confinement.

The detentions occurred amid growing international attention on activist-led efforts to challenge restrictions on access to Gaza, where humanitarian agencies have repeatedly warned of shortages of food, medicine and essential supplies following months of conflict.

Israel maintains control over access points into Gaza and has enforced a blockade on the territory since 2007. During the war, aid deliveries have faced repeated disruptions, intensifying concerns among international humanitarian organizations.

The release comes weeks after Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized the treatment of activists detained during previous Gaza-related missions. Her comments followed the circulation of video footage posted by an Israeli minister showing detained activists bound and kneeling, images that drew criticism from several governments, including Australia, Canada and Spain.

The Global Sumud Flotilla has organized a series of maritime and overland initiatives intended to deliver assistance to Gaza. Last month, around 50 vessels departed from Türkiye as part of a renewed effort to reach the enclave after earlier missions were intercepted.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected the flotilla campaign, describing it as an operation designed to assist Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that governs Gaza.

Previous attempts by activists to reach Gaza have encountered repeated obstacles. In April, a flotilla operating in international waters near Greece was intercepted, and most participants were subsequently returned to Europe.

The circumstances surrounding the detention of the activists in Libya have not been publicly detailed by Libyan authorities.

President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance have argued that the agreement, reached following high-level negotiations last week, would direct billions of dollars in previously restricted Iranian assets toward purchases of U.S. food and medical supplies, including corn, wheat and soybeans.

The disagreement emerged as Washington and Tehran began implementing a 60-day memorandum of understanding designed to halt hostilities and create space for broader negotiations on unresolved issues between the two countries.

Under the arrangement, Iran would regain access to international oil markets during the negotiation period, while restrictions on certain Iranian assets held abroad would be eased. The agreement would also facilitate the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime corridor for global energy shipments.

Responding to criticism that the deal does not directly address Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic missile development or support for regional armed groups, Trump defended the agreement on Tuesday, saying Iranian assets would remain under U.S.-controlled escrow mechanisms and be used to purchase goods exclusively from American suppliers.

The administration has presented the proposal as an economic benefit for U.S. agriculture, a sector that has faced fluctuating export demand in recent years.

Iranian officials, however, publicly disputed Washington’s interpretation of the agreement. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said purchasing decisions would be determined by market considerations, including quality and pricing, rather than by conditions imposed by the United States.

Iran’s ambassador in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, also rejected suggestions that Washington or third countries would control the use of Iranian assets once released, stating that decisions regarding the funds would remain solely in Iran’s hands.

A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, dismissed the contradiction and suggested Iranian leaders were tailoring their comments for domestic audiences.

The dispute has fueled uncertainty among sanctions experts and former officials familiar with the mechanics of financial restrictions on Iran.

Under previous sanctions regimes, proceeds from Iranian exports, including oil and electricity sales, were often deposited into escrow accounts abroad and could only be accessed for approved humanitarian transactions such as food and medicine purchases.

On Monday, the U.S. Treasury authorized the sale of Iranian oil, petrochemicals and petroleum products through Aug. 21 as part of the interim arrangement. The authorization did not specify whether released funds would remain subject to escrow restrictions.

Analysts say the legal and financial mechanisms governing the assets remain unclear. Richard Nephew, a former sanctions official who worked on Iran policy during the Obama and Biden administrations, said Washington could attempt to require foreign financial institutions to direct funds toward purchases from U.S. suppliers, but enforcing such conditions could prove difficult.

Joseph Glauber, a research fellow emeritus at the International Food Policy Research Institute, noted that Iran already sources significant quantities of agricultural products from countries including Brazil, India, Türkiye, Canada, Australia, Argentina and members of the European Union. Redirecting those purchases exclusively toward American exporters could disrupt established trade relationships.

Supporters of a tougher sanctions policy have also sought clarification. Richard Goldberg, a former Trump administration official now affiliated with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said additional details would be needed to determine whether the agreement genuinely restricts Iranian purchases to U.S. agricultural products.

The competing interpretations underscore broader questions surrounding the agreement, whose final terms and enforcement mechanisms remain under negotiation as Washington and Tehran continue talks over a more comprehensive settlement.