Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers condemned Iranian attacks on member countries and affirmed their right to respond to protect their security.
In an emergency virtual meeting, the foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) firmly condemned the Iranian attacks targeting their member states. They highlighted that the military actions conducted by Iran are unjustifiable and unacceptable, asserting that the GCC nations possess the right to take all necessary measures to safeguard their security and stability. The ministers emphasized the ongoing threat from Iran, despite prior diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation.
The statement from the ministers underscored the pressing need to protect air and maritime security, including critical waterways and supply chains, indicating heightened concerns about regional safety. The GCC reiterated its commitment to defending its nations against external aggression, emphasizing that responding to Iranian provocations is within their rights. The growing tension in the region has resulted in a significant reevaluation of defense strategies among GCC states in light of recent Iranian missile attacks.
This meeting, labeled as the 50th extraordinary session of the GCC Ministerial Council, comes in response to a series of Iranian missile attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, Oman, and Jordan in the preceding days. These developments escalate the existing conflict dynamics in the region, as Iranian officials claim their military actions are retaliation for US and Israeli strikes. The GCC's collective response indicates a prioritization of regional collaboration against perceived threats and a unified stance against Iranian influence in the Gulf.
