US and Saudi officials spread debris on plastic sheets as they continued to gather evidence for June 25 Khobar Towers bombing in Saudi Arabia. AFP
US and Saudi officials spread debris on plastic sheets as they continued to gather evidence for June 25 Khobar Towers bombing in Saudi Arabia. AFP

1996 - The bombing of Khobar Towers

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Updated 19 April 2025
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1996 - The bombing of Khobar Towers

1996 - The bombing of Khobar Towers
  • The second major terrorist attack in Saudi Arabia was a clear sign of Iran’s influence

RIYADH: June 25, 1996, was the day when trust was lost and an edifice was brought down. It was the day that rendered a tear in an evolving friendship. It was the day when a residential tower in Alkhobar, hosting soldiers from the international coalition that was enforcing a no fly-zone in southern Iraq after the liberation of Kuwait in 1991, was bombed. It was the day many things changed. 

News of the bombing — which killed 19 Americans and a Saudi citizen, and injured 498 people of various nationalities — came as a shock to many. It was only the second major terrorist attack in the Kingdom, after the siege of Makkah in 1979. Those affected directly by the bombing were left scarred for life, but those who felt its wider reverberations elsewhere went through a range of emotions that, for some, forever changed their worldview. 

I still have clear memories of the impactful day, of how I lived through the horror from afar. The news itself scared me because of the magnitude of the attack and because it had targeted Americans while I was studying in the US. My first thought was whether there would be an adverse reaction, because the aftermath of the Oklahoma bombing on April 19, 1995, was still fresh in my mind. 

I was in Boston, studying English, when the Oklahoma bombing took place. At that time, the first piece of news about the hunt for the bomber was the arrest of a Jordanian-American man who flew from Oklahoma on the day of the attack. 

How we wrote it




Arab News’ front page highlighted global outrage over Khobar Towers bombing and Saudi efforts to restore security.

I still remember the suspicious looks from people on the subway on my way to school. I was not targeted physically or verbally but the looks were painful and a sense of distrust was evident. 

The subsequent arrests of Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols came as a relief to many of us Middle Eastern students abroad. Later, I experienced similar feelings following the Alkhobar Towers bombing, and felt even worse after the 9/11 attacks in 2001. 

The Alkhobar bombing also left me with a surreal feeling that this could not happening. Meanwhile, most of us had to face questions from people who could not understand why it did. And there was no escape from the blame. Americans had been targeted, and while the country’s citizens had been victims of previous terror attacks, the difference this time was the location: It happened in Saudi Arabia. 

I was living in the city of Detroit at the time, and of course we did not have Twitter or other social media in those days to provide quick updates on the attack. The internet was still something relatively new. Arabic TV channels were not available in the US at that time. The only source of information was what we read in American newspapers and saw on US TV channels. Other updates on the attack came from friends who had talked to their families back home. 

During this period of uncertainty, I remember being asked a lot questions by my university friends, many of whom could not point to Iran or Saudi Arabia on the map. Most of the time my answers fell short. One comment that sticks in my mind was from my university history teacher, who remarked with a smile: “When we defend you, you kill us.”  

Key Dates

  • 1

    A huge truck bomb detonates outside a building housing US personnel in Alkhobar, killing 19 of them and a Saudi civilian.

    Timeline Image June 25, 1996

  • 2

    13 Saudis and a Lebanese man indicted on terrorism charges by federal grand jury in Virginia.

    Timeline Image June 21, 2001

  • 3

    Saudi authorities say they have arrested 11 of the 13 Saudi suspects, who will be tried in the Kingdom.

    Timeline Image July 2, 2001

  • 4

    Federal judge rules Iran is responsible for the bombing and orders its government to pay $254m compensation to families of Americans who died.

    Timeline Image Dec. 23, 2006

  • 5

    Ahmed Al-Mughassil, accused of being behind the bombing, arrested in Beirut and handed over to Saudi authorities.

    Timeline Image Aug. 26, 2015

  • 6

    Another US court orders Iran to pay a further $104.7m compensation to 15 people injured in the bombing.

That period we were living in, after the Gulf War in 1991, was witnessing a lot of change. The presence of US forces in Saudi Arabia was an unwelcome development to a segment of society that viewed their presence in the land of the Two Holy Mosques as an unannounced invasion. This narrative was widely distributed through the many cassette tapes featuring the words of famous clerics, who never stopped calling for the withdrawal of American forces and the closure of their military bases. 

My first impression, like that of many of my American friends, was that the Alkhobar attack was carried out by terrorists influenced by hate speech. But it was later revealed that Iran was indirectly behind it. Investigations slowly revealed a conspiracy to destabilize Saudi Arabia. 

This was not surprising to me, knowing that the Iranian regime has been on a never-ending mission to destabilize Saudi Arabia since Supreme Leader Ali Khomeini came to power in 1979. 

The main mission of the regime in Tehran was to export its ideology through proxy forces in neighboring countries. What scared me most at that time was that it had managed to do this through its arm in Saudi Arabia, Hezbollah Al-Hejaz, which claimed responsibility for the attack.  




Family members of the 19 US Airforce Airmen killed in the bombing weep during 5th Anniversary Remembrance Ceremony held in Virginia. AFP

Iran is no stranger to sabotage and bad behavior in the region. It consistently attempts to brainwash young people in other countries into adopting its ideologies and turning against their own governments. We have seen how Tehran has managed to find a foothold in countries as far afield as the heart of Africa and South Asia. 

The demonstration by Iranian pilgrims in Makkah in 1987 comes to mind. I watched in horror on TV how they turned the Hajj religious event into chaos, attacking, killing and injuring many innocent pilgrims. I saw how they burned cars and beat to death police officers on the streets. Similar events happened in Madinah, where they also instigated riots and attacked pilgrims.  

A government with an ideology that does not care about sacred places and innocent lives for sure will not feel any sympathy when it directs its minions in the region to carry out such attacks. Iran will not remain calm and will not deviate from its main goal of destabilizing the region. 

It is still reaping what it sowed in Alkhobar and other areas. What has Iran gained since 1979 except chaos, war and economic sanctions? 

  • Mahmoud Ahmad is a former Arab News manager. He was a bachelor of marketing student at the University of Detroit Mercy when the Khobar Towers were bombed. 


Arab world, Middle East condemn Israel’s attacks against Israel

Arab world, Middle East condemn Israel’s attacks against Israel
Updated 27 sec ago
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Arab world, Middle East condemn Israel’s attacks against Israel

Arab world, Middle East condemn Israel’s attacks against Israel

DUBAI: The Arab world has responded to Israel’s strikes against Iran, each country offering its condemnation of the attacks that killed at least two top military officers, raising the potential for an all-out war between the two bitter Middle East adversaries.

The UAE, through its foreign affairs ministry, stressed the importance of “exercising the utmost self-restraint and judgment to mitigate risks and prevent the expansion of the conflict.”

 

 

“Enhancing dialogue, adhering to international law, and respecting the sovereignty of states constitute essential principles for resolving the current crises,” the foreign affairs ministry added.

The UAE emphasized the need to resolve disputes through diplomatic means rather than confrontation and escalation, and called on the United Nations Security Council to take urgent and necessary measures to achieve a ceasefire, and to reinforce international peace and security.

Oman offered its “strong condemnation of the brutal military aggression launched by Israel on the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which targeted sovereign facilities and caused casualties.”

 

 

“Oman considers this action a dangerous and reckless escalation that constitutes a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter and the principles of international law. It also represents unacceptable and ongoing aggressive behavior that undermines the foundations of stability in the region,” the country’s foreign affairs ministry said.

And Jordan’s foreign ministry spokesperson Sufian Qudah warned of the “consequences of such escalatory actions, saying they threatened regional security and stability and risk exacerbating tensions”, state news agency Petra reported.

 

 

Elsewhere Qatar said it “considers the assault a blatant violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security, as well as a clear breach of international law and its established principles,” state news agency QNA meanwhile reported.

“The State of Qatar voices its grave concern over this dangerous escalation, which forms part of a recurring pattern of aggressive policies that threaten regional peace and stability and hinder efforts aimed at de-escalation and diplomatic resolution.”

Qatar emphasized “the urgent need for the international community to assume its legal and moral responsibilities and to act swiftly to halt these Israeli violations.”

 

 

“The State of Qatar reaffirms its firm position in rejecting all forms of violence, and reiterates its call for restraint and the avoidance of escalation that could widen the scope of conflict and undermine regional security and stability,” QNA reported.

Turkiye also condemned “in the strongest terms” Israel’s air strike on Iran, calling it a provocation that violates international law and risks further escalation in the region.

The Turkish foreign ministry in a statement said the attack showed Israel “does not want issues to be resolved through diplomatic means” and urged it to halt “aggressive actions that could lead to greater conflicts.”

 

 

Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), also described the Israeli attacks as a ‘clear violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.’

Al-Budaiwi, in a statement, called on the ‘international community and the Security Council to assume their responsibilities towards immediately halting this aggression and avoiding escalation that could ignite a wider conflict, which would have dire consequences for regional and international peace.’


Design, sustainability, innovation: Hallmarks of German appliance manufacturer Miele

Design, sustainability, innovation: Hallmarks of German appliance manufacturer Miele
Updated 14 min 52 sec ago
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Design, sustainability, innovation: Hallmarks of German appliance manufacturer Miele

Design, sustainability, innovation: Hallmarks of German appliance manufacturer Miele

Miele, the 125-year-old German manufacturer of premium appliances, continues to set global benchmarks in design, sustainability, and technological innovation.

At the heart of this evolution is Dr. Reinhard Zinkann, co-proprietor and managing director of Miele, who embodies the brand’s founding ethos: Immer Besser—Forever Better.

For Dr. Zinkann, leading a fourth-generation family business is not about simply maintaining tradition—it’s about enhancing it.

“Being a family business allows us to make decisions with a long-term perspective,” he said. “It frees us from the pressures of short-term gains and allows us to focus on quality, innovation, and environmental responsibility.”

Miele’s dedication to excellence is best illustrated in the life expectancy of its products. 

Designed and tested to last up to 20 years, their durability speaks not only to performance but also to a larger environmental ethic: fewer replacements and less waste.

In markets like the Middle East, where refinement and experiential luxury go hand in hand, Miele’s design philosophy plays a pivotal role. 

The brand seamlessly integrates form and function to craft appliances that are both elegant and efficient.

“We collaborate with top architects and designers globally to ensure our appliances are not just built to perform, but also to complement evolving interior trends,” said Dr. Zinkann.

This approach is showcased in the new Miele Experience Center in Riyadh, where fully integrated kitchens and living spaces allow visitors to interact with the brand’s offerings in lifelike settings.

“We’ve significantly reduced our operational CO₂ emissions, and many of our appliances now use recycled materials,” Dr. Zinkann added. “Our products are also designed for disassembly, making them easier to repair and recycle.”

Such initiatives earned Miele the German Sustainability Award 2023, reinforcing the company’s commitment to responsible innovation across its supply chain and beyond.

Miele has embraced smart living through its Miele@home ecosystem. From AI-powered ovens that learn your favorite recipes to washing machines that optimize cycles based on fabric type, Miele’s tech solutions aim to simplify life without sacrificing performance.

“Technology should enhance convenience, not complicate it,” Dr. Zinkann said. “Our goal is intelligent simplicity, always paired with elegance.”

He said: “Saudi Arabia is transforming rapidly, and we see a strong synergy between our values and the Kingdom’s aspirations.”

The center offers more than appliances; it hosts live cooking events, sustainable living workshops, and collaborations with local chefs. It’s a space where innovation meets culture, a symbol of Miele’s long-term commitment to the region.

Miele’s alignment with Vision 2030 isn’t accidental. Its focus on sustainability, innovation, and education mirrors the Kingdom’s path forward. 

Through partnerships with local entities like the Awad Badi Nahas Group, Miele is investing not just in market share, but in societal growth.

“We want to empower communities through knowledge and responsible innovation. Saudi Arabia is a key partner in that journey,” Dr. Zinkann said.

He added: “Today’s customers want appliances that reflect their values — efficiency, design, and sustainability.

“At Miele, we’re redefining what it means to be premium in a world that demands both beauty and responsibility.”


Iran ‘must make a deal, before there is nothing left’: Trump

Iran ‘must make a deal, before there is nothing left’: Trump
Updated 3 min 23 sec ago
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Iran ‘must make a deal, before there is nothing left’: Trump

Iran ‘must make a deal, before there is nothing left’: Trump
  • Trump earlier told Fox News he was aware Israel was going to conduct strikes on Iran before it happened
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio said earlier Thursday that the United States was “not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region”

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump urged Iran on Friday to “make a deal,” warning that there will be more “death and destruction” after Israel launched deadly strikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities.

“There has already been great death and destruction, but there is still time to make this slaughter, with the next already planned attacks being even more brutal, come to an end,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform.

“Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left... JUST DO IT, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE,” he said.

Trump earlier told Fox News he was aware Israel was going to conduct strikes on Iran before it happened, and stressed that Tehran “cannot have a nuclear bomb,” according to the US broadcaster.

His comments to Fox came after Israel pounded Iran in a series of air raids on Friday, striking 100 targets including nuclear and military sites.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the operation took aim at the atomic facility in Natanz, while Iranian media said the country’s Revolutionary Guards leader Hossein Salami and armed forces Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri were killed.

Trump told Fox News that he was made aware of Israel’s operation before it happened.

“Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb and we are hoping to get back to the negotiating table. We will see,” Trump said, according to Fox News.

Fox News also reported that “Trump noted the US is ready to defend itself and Israel if Iran retaliates.”

It added that Trump’s administration reached out to at least one key Middle Eastern ally to acknowledge that the strike was going to happen, but reiterated that the US was not involved.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said earlier Thursday that the United States was “not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region.”

“Let me be clear: Iran should not target US interests or personnel.”

Trump will be attending a National Security Council meeting Friday morning.


UN nuclear watchdog chief ready to travel to Iran to assess situation

UN nuclear watchdog chief ready to travel to Iran to assess situation
Updated 23 min 25 sec ago
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UN nuclear watchdog chief ready to travel to Iran to assess situation

UN nuclear watchdog chief ready to travel to Iran to assess situation

VIENNA: UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi said on Friday he was ready to travel to Iran to assess the situation there after Israel carried out widespread military strikes that hit the sprawling nuclear complex at Natanz.

In a statement to a meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Board of Governors, Grossi said the other main enrichment center in Iran, Fordow, was not hit and neither was another nuclear facility in Esfahan, citing Iranian authorities.

There are no elevated radiation levels at Natanz, he added.

“I call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation. I reiterate that any military action that jeopardizes the safety and security of nuclear facilities risks grave consequences for the people of Iran, the region, and beyond,” Grossi said in his statement.

“I have indicated to the respective authorities my readiness to travel at the earliest to assess the situation and ensure safety, security and non-proliferation in Iran.”

He did not say what the extent of the damage at Natanz was or what parts of the site were hit. The site includes a vast underground uranium enrichment plant and a smaller, above-ground pilot enrichment plant.

Iran is enriching to up to 60 percent purity, close to the roughly 90 percent of weapons grade, at the pilot plant, but it is producing smaller quantities of that material there than at Fordow, a site dug into a mountain that military experts have said would be difficult for Israel to destroy through bombardment.

“Despite the current military actions and heightened tensions, it is clear that the only sustainable path forward – for Iran, for Israel, the entire region, and the international community – is one grounded in dialogue and diplomacy to ensure peace, stability, and cooperation,” Grossi said.


In fresh alert, US advises citizens against traveling to northwest Pakistan citing security threats

In fresh alert, US advises citizens against traveling to northwest Pakistan citing security threats
Updated 49 min 36 sec ago
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In fresh alert, US advises citizens against traveling to northwest Pakistan citing security threats

In fresh alert, US advises citizens against traveling to northwest Pakistan citing security threats
  • US mission advises American government personnel to travel in northwestern Pakistan in armored vehicles and with armed escorts
  • Pakistani Taliban militants have frequently targeted security forces and civilians via gun attacks and bomb blast in KP in recent months

KARACHI: The US Mission in Pakistan this week issued a security alert for its nationals in the country, warning them against traveling to the volatile northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province citing frequent attacks by “terrorist and insurgent groups.”

Pakistan has recently experienced a significant surge in militant violence, particularly in its western provinces of KP and Balochistan, where groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) have targeted civilians and security forces.

The TTP has frequently targeted security convoys and checkpoints apart from being linked to a rise in targeted killings and abductions of law enforcement personnel and government officials in KP recent months. In March this year, the US declared a Level 4 threat for KP, advising nationals not to travel there.

“Do not travel to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which includes the former FATA [Federally Administered Tribal Areas] for any reason,” a statement from the US Mission, shared by the US embassy and consulates in Pakistan, said.

“Active terrorist and insurgent groups routinely conduct attacks against civilians, non-governmental organizations, government offices, and security services personnel (police and military).”

The alert said these militants have targeted government officials and civilians, with frequent incidents of assassinations and kidnappings, including attacks on polio vaccination teams in the past.

The US Mission urged American government personnel to travel in armored vehicles with armed escorts whether on official or personal trips to northwestern Pakistan.

“Additional restrictions on movements can occur suddenly and at any time, depending on local circumstances and security conditions,” it said.

Pakistan was ranked as the world’s second-most affected country by “terrorism,” according to a global index published by the Australia-based Institute for Economics and Peace, which assessed 163 countries covering 99.7 percent of the global population.