GCC, UK call on Iran to refrain unconditionally from provocative threats

2026-03-16 - 13:53

RIYADH — Foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the United Kingdom condemned Iranian attacks on GCC countries and Jordan during an extraordinary meeting held on March 12, according to a joint statement issued Sunday.The meeting discussed the latest developments in the Middle East and the regional escalation, including the Iranian aggression and attacks carried out by its regional proxies against GCC states and Jordan.The GCC delegation was led by Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif Al-Zayani, current president of the GCC Ministerial Council, while the United Kingdom delegation was headed by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper.The ministers reaffirmed the importance of the strategic partnership between the GCC and the United Kingdom, first announced during the GCC–UK Summit held in Bahrain in November 2016.They also welcomed progress in negotiations toward a free trade agreement between the two sides and expressed hope that it would be concluded soon.The ministers welcomed the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), which condemned Iranian attacks targeting the territories of GCC states and Jordan as violations of international law and threats to international peace and security.The resolution also condemned Iranian attacks on residential areas and civilian infrastructure, including oil facilities, service installations and residential neighborhoods, which resulted in civilian casualties and damage to buildings.The ministers highlighted the unprecedented international solidarity with GCC states and Jordan, noting that 136 UN member states supported Resolution 2817.They called on Iran to immediately halt all attacks and refrain unconditionally from provocative actions or threats against neighboring countries, including the use of regional proxies.The ministers expressed appreciation for the United Kingdom’s solidarity with GCC countries and its continued commitment to the security and stability of the region.They reaffirmed their commitment to regional stability and called for the protection of civilians and full respect for international law and international humanitarian law.The ministers also reiterated their calls for Iran to curb its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and refrain from activities that destabilize the region.They highlighted diplomatic efforts undertaken by GCC countries before the attacks and reaffirmed their commitment that GCC territories would not be used to launch attacks against Iran.The ministers stressed their commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as the primary means to resolve the crisis and praised Oman’s constructive role in this regard.They also reaffirmed the right of GCC states under Article 51 of the UN Charter to defend themselves individually and collectively against armed attacks.The statement added that GCC countries have the right to take all necessary measures to protect their security, stability, territories and the safety of citizens and residents.The ministers agreed to continue joint diplomatic efforts to reach a sustainable solution that prevents Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and halts the development and proliferation of ballistic missiles, drones and other technologies that threaten regional security.They also emphasized the importance of protecting regional airspace, maritime routes and freedom of navigation, as well as ensuring the security of shipping lanes and global energy markets.The ministers noted that UN Security Council Resolution 2817 condemned any Iranian actions or threats aimed at disrupting international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz or threatening maritime security in the Bab Al-Mandab Strait.They stressed that the security and stability of the Gulf region are fundamental pillars for global economic stability and closely linked to international security, including that of the United Kingdom.The ministers also praised the United Kingdom’s contributions to regional security and welcomed London’s recent decision to enhance defense capabilities in the region, including the deployment of Royal Air Force Typhoon aircraft in defensive operations.The United Kingdom expressed appreciation to GCC countries for the hospitality and assistance provided to British citizens present in the region.