The Iranian attacks on GCC countries and Jordan constitute a serious violation of the sovereignty of these countries, the principles of good neighbourliness, and a clear breach of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, regardless of any justifications or pretexts, the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) said.
The council met under the chairmanship of Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain and current President of the Ministerial Council of the GCC.
It further stressed that targeting civilians and civilian objects constitutes a grave violation of the rules of international humanitarian law.
Council expressed its rejection and condemnation in the strongest terms of these heinous Iranian attacks targeting GCC countries, in addition to Jordan.
The Council also expressed full solidarity among the GCC countries and their unified stance in confronting these attacks, stressing that the security of GCC member states is indivisible, and that any attack against any member state constitutes a direct attack against all GCC countries, in accordance with the GCC Charter and the Joint Defence Agreement.
The council affirmed that GCC countries reserve their legal right to respond, in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which guarantees the right of self-defence, individually and collectively, in the event of aggression, and to take all necessary measures to safeguard their sovereignty, security, and stability.
The Council commended the efficiency and readiness of the armed forces and air defence systems of member states, which successfully intercepted missile and drone attacks with a high level of professionalism, contributing to neutralising the threat, mitigating its impact, and protecting lives, facilities, and vital assets.
The Ministerial Council affirmed that, in light of this unjustified Iranian aggression against GCC countries, they will take all necessary measures to defend their security and stability and to protect their territories, citizens, and residents, including the option of responding to the aggression.
Despite the numerous diplomatic efforts undertaken by the GCC countries to avoid escalation, and despite their affirmation that their territories would not be used to launch any attacks against Iran, the latter has continued to carry out military operations targeting GCC countries, affecting numerous civilian and residential facilities.
The Ministerial Council underscored the necessity of an immediate cessation of these attacks to restore security, peace, and stability in the region.
It underscored the vital importance of maintaining aerial and maritime security, protecting regional waterways, ensuring the integrity of supply chains, and guaranteeing the stability of global energy markets. The Council asserted that the stability of the Arabian Gulf region is not merely a regional concern but a fundamental pillar of global economic stability and maritime navigation.
The Council noted that the GCC states have always advocated for dialogue, negotiations, and the resolution of all issues with the Islamic Republic of Iran, praising the role of the Sultanate of Oman in this regard.
It warned that any escalation would undermine regional security and drag the region toward dangerous trajectories with catastrophic consequences for international peace and security.
