RIYADH — Foreign ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the European Union held an extraordinary meeting on Thursday to discuss the escalation in the Middle East and the Iran’s attacks against GCC countries.The GCC side was headed by Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani, chairman of the current session of the GCC Ministerial Council, along with Jassim Al-Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the GCC, and foreign ministers of the member states.The European side was led by Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, with the participation of EU foreign ministers and Commissioner Dubravka Šuica.In a joint statement issued after the meeting, the ministers strongly condemned the “unjustifiable Iranian attacks” against GCC states, saying the attacks threaten regional and global security and calling on Iran to immediately cease them.The European Union reaffirmed its solidarity with the GCC countries, while both sides reiterated their commitment to regional stability and respect for international law, international humanitarian law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.The ministers also raised concerns about Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, urging Tehran to curb its nuclear activities, halt missile development and refrain from destabilizing actions in the region and beyond.They discussed the damage caused by recent Iranian attacks targeting civilian infrastructure in GCC states, including oil facilities, service facilities and residential areas, noting that the strikes caused material damage and threatened civilian safety.The statement highlighted diplomatic efforts undertaken by GCC and EU countries prior to the escalation, including commitments by GCC states that their territories would not be used to launch attacks against Iran.Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the crisis and commended Oman’s constructive role in mediation efforts.The ministers also recalled the inherent right of GCC states, under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, to defend themselves individually and collectively against armed attacks.They stressed that GCC countries have the right to take all necessary measures to protect their security, stability, territories, citizens and residents.The meeting concluded with agreement on joint diplomatic efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, halt the production and proliferation of ballistic missiles and drones, and curb activities that threaten regional and international security.The ministers also emphasized the importance of safeguarding regional airspace and maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, as well as ensuring the safety of supply chains and stability of global energy markets.They noted that security in the Gulf region remains a key pillar of the global economy and international stability.The European Union also thanked GCC countries for assisting EU nationals in the region and said it would continue working with GCC partners to facilitate the safe departure of European citizens.RIYADH — Foreign ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the European Union held an extraordinary meeting on Thursday to discuss the escalation in the Middle East and the Iran’s attacks against GCC countries.The GCC side was headed by Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani, chairman of the current session of the GCC Ministerial Council, along with Jassim Al-Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the GCC, and foreign ministers of the member states.The European side was led by Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, with the participation of EU foreign ministers and Commissioner Dubravka Šuica.In a joint statement issued after the meeting, the ministers strongly condemned the “unjustifiable Iranian attacks” against GCC states, saying the attacks threaten regional and global security and calling on Iran to immediately cease them.The European Union reaffirmed its solidarity with the GCC countries, while both sides reiterated their commitment to regional stability and respect for international law, international humanitarian law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.The ministers also raised concerns about Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, urging Tehran to curb its nuclear activities, halt missile development and refrain from destabilizing actions in the region and beyond.They discussed the damage caused by recent Iranian attacks targeting civilian infrastructure in GCC states, including oil facilities, service facilities and residential areas, noting that the strikes caused material damage and threatened civilian safety.The statement highlighted diplomatic efforts undertaken by GCC and EU countries prior to the escalation, including commitments by GCC states that their territories would not be used to launch attacks against Iran.Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the crisis and commended Oman’s constructive role in mediation efforts.The ministers also recalled the inherent right of GCC states, under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, to defend themselves individually and collectively against armed attacks.They stressed that GCC countries have the right to take all necessary measures to protect their security, stability, territories, citizens and residents.The meeting concluded with agreement on joint diplomatic efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, halt the production and proliferation of ballistic missiles and drones, and curb activities that threaten regional and international security.The ministers also emphasized the importance of safeguarding regional airspace and maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, as well as ensuring the safety of supply chains and stability of global energy markets.They noted that security in the Gulf region remains a key pillar of the global economy and international stability.The European Union also thanked GCC countries for assisting EU nationals in the region and said it would continue working with GCC partners to facilitate the safe departure of European citizens.
GCC, EU affirm Gulf countries’ right to defend security
