Manama: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states and Jordan have jointly condemned Iran's ongoing assaults on their territories, emphasizing their right to self-defense. They have also called upon the UN Security Council to take immediate action in response to these attacks.
According to Anadolu Agency, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan issued a statement highlighting that Iranian attacks on their territories, citizens, and civilian infrastructure have persisted since February 28. These attacks have reportedly intensified following a memorandum of understanding signed between the US and Iran on June 17. The statement noted that Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan have been significantly impacted by attacks aimed at energy facilities, desalination plants, ports, airports, and other civilian infrastructure.
The joint statement described these actions as 'acts of aggression' that violate the UN Charter, international law, international humanitarian law, UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), and Iran's commitments under the memorandum of understanding. It reiterated the countries' inherent right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter and pledged to take all lawful measures necessary to safeguard their sovereignty, territories, citizens, commercial shipping, and critical infrastructure.
The countries commended Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's decision to ensure that all weapons are under state control by September 30. They expressed support for Baghdad's measures to prevent Iran-backed factions, militias, and armed groups from launching further attacks against regional countries. Additionally, they urged the UN Security Council to adopt a resolution demanding an immediate cessation of Iranian attacks, acknowledging the affected countries' right to self-defense, and considering further measures if the attacks persist.
The joint statement lauded the armed forces of the seven countries for defending their sovereignty and civilian populations. It reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the freedom and safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. Furthermore, the countries expressed a willingness to collaborate with regional states and the International Maritime Organization to establish permanent maritime arrangements consistent with international law, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, state sovereignty, and good-neighborly relations.
Finally, the statement expressed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and supported its measures to protect its sovereignty and security. It also commended Saudi Arabia and Oman for their diplomatic efforts to achieve a comprehensive and lasting political solution to the crisis in Yemen.