GCC-UK Foreign Ministers Condemn Iranian Attacks, Affirm Right to Self-Defense
The Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the UK have condemned Iran’s aggressions against its neighbors, reiterating the importance of protecting regional air space and maritime routes.
This followed an extraordinary meeting on March 12, 2026 to discuss the recent escalation in the Middle East and the blatant aggression by Iran and its regional proxies against the GCC countries and Jordan.
Condemning Iranian Attacks
In a joint statement on Sunday, the GCC and UK Foreign Ministers welcomed the UN Security Resolution 2817 which strongly condemned Iran’s egregious attacks against the Gulf countries and Jordan.
They also noted that the resolution demands that Iran halt its attacks and unconditionally refrain from provocations or threats against the GCC States and Jordan, including the use of proxies across the region.
Furthermore, they highlighted that the resolution condemns any actions or threats by Iran aimed at closing, obstructing, or otherwise interfering with international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz or threatening maritime security in the Bab-el-Mandeb.
In light of this, the Ministers emphasized the importance of safeguarding regional air space, maritime routes, and freedom of navigation, as well as ensuring the security of supply chains, shipping lanes, mariners and the stability of global energy markets.
Defending GCC Security
In their statement, the Ministers pointed to the inherent right of the GCC States, under Article 51 of the UN Charter, to defend themselves, individually and collectively, against the armed attacks of Iran, as recognized in UN Security Council resolution 2817 (2026).
They emphasized the GCC countries’ right to take all necessary measures to defend their security and stability, safeguard their territories, and protect their citizens and residents.
The Ministers also reaffirmed that the security and stability of the Gulf region are fundamental pillars of the stability of the global economy. Hence, it is closely tied to the UK and global security.
In this context, they recognized the UK’s significant contributions to regional security, appreciating its recent decision to boost defensive capabilities in the region, including through the participation of RAF Typhoon jets in defensive operations.
Supporting Diplomacy
The Foreign Ministers highlighted the GCC extensive diplomatic efforts before the Iranian attacks, and their commitment to preventing the use of their territories to launch attacks against Iran.
In light of this, they reiterated their unwavering commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as means to resolve the crisis and stressing the need to restore regional stability and security.
Moreover, they agreed to launch joint diplomatic efforts to achieve a lasting solution that prevents Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon; halts the development and proliferation of ballistic missiles, drones and any technologies that threaten regional and international security; and ceases destabilizing activities.
GCC-UK Trade Ties
The joint statement also highlighted the significance of the strategic partnership between the Gulf countries and the UK, originating from the GGC-UK Summit which took place in November 2016 in Bahrain.
Within this context, the Foreign Ministers praised the significant progress achieved in the GCC-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, expressing their shared ambition to finalize the FTA at the earliest opportunity.
The virtual GCC-UK Ministerial meeting took place during UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper’s visit to Riyadh, during which she met with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. Cooper expressed her country’s condemnation of Iran’s attack against Saudi Arabia and GCC countries.
