Manama: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, along with Jordan, have strongly condemned Iran's continued attacks on their territories, emphasizing their right to self-defense and urging the United Nations Security Council to take immediate action.
According to TRTworld.com, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan issued a joint statement on Thursday highlighting that Iranian attacks on their territories, citizens, and civilian infrastructure have persisted without interruption since February 28. These attacks have reportedly intensified even after the June 17 memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran.
The statement detailed that Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan have been particularly targeted by these attacks, which have focused on energy facilities, desalination plants, ports, airports, and other critical civilian infrastructure. The countries described these actions as violations of the UN Charter, international law, international humanitarian law, and UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), as well as Iran's commitments under the memorandum of understanding.
Reaffirming their inherent right to individual and collective self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, the seven nations vowed to take all lawful measures necessary to protect their sovereignty, territories, citizens, commercial shipping, and critical infrastructure. They also expressed support for Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's decision to ensure that all weapons are placed under state control by September 30, endorsing efforts by Baghdad to prevent Iran-backed armed groups from launching further attacks against regional countries.
The statement called on the UN Security Council to urgently adopt a resolution demanding an immediate cessation of Iranian attacks, recognizing the affected countries' right to self-defense, and considering additional measures if the aggressions continue. Additionally, the seven nations praised their armed forces for defending their sovereignty and civilian populations, reaffirming their commitment to the freedom and safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al Mandeb Strait.
The countries also expressed their readiness to collaborate with regional states and the International Maritime Organisation to establish permanent maritime arrangements in accordance with international law, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, state sovereignty, and good-neighborly relations. Furthermore, the statement reaffirmed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia, supporting its measures to secure its sovereignty and security, while commending Saudi Arabia and Oman for their diplomatic efforts in seeking a comprehensive and lasting political solution to the crisis in Yemen.