Riyadh, July 29 (SANA)Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministerheld separate calls Tuesday with his counterparts from Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain, as theGulf statesurged efforts to ease regional tensions and safeguard shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandeb.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Saudi Foreign Minister PrinceFaisal bin Farhanspoke withQatari Prime Minister and Foreign MinisterMohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani,Kuwaiti Foreign MinisterJarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah andBahraini Foreign MinisterAbdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani to discuss developments across the Middle East.

The ministers stressed the need to reduce tensions and ensure freedom of navigation through the two strategic waterways, saying such efforts would help limit the security and economic impact of the escalating regional situation.

They also condemned attacks byIranand Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Yemen, expressing solidarity in confronting threats to the security and stability of the region. The ministers reaffirmed their rejection of actions that undermine regional security and underscored the importance of continued coordination to strengthen Gulf cooperation.

Earlier Tuesday,Saudi Arabia’s Cabinetcondemned attacks by Iran-backed militias inYemen and Iraqtargeting oil facilities in theRiyadhand Eastern provinces, as well as commercialvessels in the Red Sea. The Cabinet said the kingdom would continue to protect its security, national interests and strategic assets.