Manama: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states and Jordan have condemned Iran's continued attacks on their territories, reaffirming their right to self-defence and calling on the UN Security Council to take urgent action.
According to TRTworld.com, in a joint statement, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan expressed concern over Iranian attacks that have persisted since February 28, intensifying even after the June 17 memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran. The statement highlighted that Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan have been notably affected, with energy facilities, desalination plants, ports, airports, and other civilian infrastructures being targeted.
The attacks are considered acts of aggression and violations of the UN Charter, international law, international humanitarian law, UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), and Iran's commitments under the memorandum of understanding. The statement reaffirmed the countries' inherent right to individual and collective self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter, pledging to take all necessary lawful measures to protect their sovereignty, territories, citizens, commercial shipping, and critical infrastructure.
The seven countries expressed support for Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's decision to ensure all weapons are placed under state control by September 30 to prevent Iran-backed armed groups from launching further attacks against regional countries. They urged the UN Security Council to adopt a resolution demanding an immediate end to Iranian attacks and recognizing the affected countries' right to self-defence, with considerations for additional measures if the attacks persist.
The statement also praised the armed forces of the seven countries for their efforts to defend sovereignty and civilian populations and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring freedom and safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al Mandeb Strait. Furthermore, the countries expressed readiness to collaborate with regional states and the International Maritime Organisation to establish permanent maritime arrangements consistent with international law, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, state sovereignty, and good-neighbourly relations.
Lastly, the statement reiterated full solidarity with Saudi Arabia, supporting its measures to safeguard sovereignty and security, while commending Saudi Arabia and Oman for diplomatic efforts towards a comprehensive political resolution to the crisis in Yemen.