GCC condemns Iran’s missile & drone strikes on Gulf states

KATHMANDU: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has strongly condemned Iran’s recent missile and drone attacks on member states, calling them a “betrayal” and a serious threat to regional and global security.

The 50th extraordinary ministerial meeting, held via video conference on Sunday under the chairmanship of Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr. Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani, reaffirmed that the security of Gulf nations is indivisible. GCC officials warned that any attack on a single member state would be considered a direct assault on all member nations, citing their “joint defense agreement.”

In a statement, the GCC accused Iran of targeting civilian infrastructure and residential areas, describing these actions as violations of international law and the sovereignty of member states.

While emphasizing the need for dialogue and diplomacy, the council urged Iran to halt its attacks and warned that all necessary measures would be taken to protect regional security.

The attacks, which began on February 28, have targeted civilian residences, service centers, and infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait, causing significant material damage.

The council also expressed concern over strikes on Jordan.

The GCC praised the air defense forces of Gulf countries for intercepting many missiles and drones, preventing large-scale human casualties.

Despite rising tensions, the council welcomed Oman’s mediation efforts, reiterating that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only path to resolve the crisis.

The meeting was attended by foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait, as well as GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi.