Saudi Arabia, along with countries from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Jordan, reiterated their strong denunciation of the blatant Iranian aggression against their countries, emphasizing their right to respond to these attacks.
Iran, in response to a joint US-Israeli attack, has launched waves of missiles and drones targeting Israel and US bases in the region. The Iranian strikes directly violated the sovereignty of several Arab States, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE and Oman.
Right to Self-Defense
In a joint statement on Sunday, the US, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE strongly condemned “Iran’s indiscriminate and reckless missile and drone attacks against sovereign territories across the region.”
These attacks have targeted Bahrain, Iraq – including the Iraqi Kurdistan Region – Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, the statement noted, adding that these attacks “targeted sovereign territory, endangered civilian populations, and damaged civilian infrastructure.”
Moreover, it warned that Iran’s actions constitute a dangerous escalation that violates the sovereignty of multiple states and threatens regional stability. The statement also called the targeting of civilians and non-belligerent countries “reckless and destabilizing behavior,” maintaining these countries’ right to defend themselves.
“We stand united in defense of our citizens, sovereignty, and territory, and reaffirm our right to self-defense in the face of these attacks. We remain committed to regional security and commend the effective air and missile defense cooperation that has prevented far greater loss of life and destruction,” the statement said.
Unified GCC Position
On Sunday, the Ministerial Council of the GCC virtually convened its 50th extraordinary meeting to discuss the Iranian missile and drone attacks against its member countries, their impact and necessary measures to coordinate efforts to restore security and stability.
In a statement, the Ministerial Council voiced its strong rejection and condemnation of these heinous attacks against the GCC countries and Jordan.
It also emphasized that these attacks constitute a serious violation of the sovereignty of these countries, the principles of good neighborliness, and a clear breach of international law and the UN Charter.
In addition, the Ministerial Council affirmed that targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure is a grave violation of the rules of international humanitarian law.
The Council underscored full solidarity among GCC countries, emphasizing their unified stance in confronting these attacks, which continued despite the GCC countries diplomatic efforts to avoid escalation and their affirmation that their territories would not be used to launch any attacks against Iran.
Defending GCC Security
According to the statement, the Council also stressed that the security of GCC member states is indivisible, noting that any attack against any member state constitutes a direct attack against all GCC countries, in accordance with the GCC Charter and the Joint Defense Agreement.
In light of this, the Ministerial Council confirmed that the GCC countries maintain their legal right to respond, in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, which guarantees the right of self-defense, individually and collectively, in the event of aggression, and to take all necessary measures to safeguard their sovereignty, security, and stability.
Importantly, the Council stressed that, in light of this unjustified Iranian aggression against GCC countries, they will take all necessary measures to defend their security and stability and to protect their territories, citizens, and residents, including the option of responding to the aggression.
Furthermore, the Council praised the readiness of the armed forces and air defense systems of the GCC countries, commending their efficiency in intercepting missile and drone attacks with a high level of professionalism. This has contributed in neutralizing the threat, mitigating its impact, and protecting lives, facilities, and vital assets.
Maintaining Stability
In the statement, the Council highlighted the urgency of immediately ceasing these attacks to restore regional security, peace, and stability.
It also emphasized the vital importance of safeguarding aerial and maritime security, protecting regional waterways, ensuring the integrity of supply chains, and guaranteeing the stability of global energy markets, noting that stability of the Arabian Gulf region is a fundamental pillar of global economic stability and maritime navigation.
In this context, the Council called on the international community to denounce these attacks. It also urged the UN Security Council to assume its responsibilities by taking an immediate and firm stance to halt these violations, which jeopardize civilian lives, and to ensure they are not repeated, given their severe consequences for regional and international peace.
Additionally, the Council reiterated the importance of dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable path to resolve the current crisis and preserve the security of the region and the safety of its peoples.
It also warned that any escalation would undermine regional security and drag the region toward dangerous trajectories with catastrophic consequences for international peace and security.
