GCC Commits to Peace and Good Neighborliness, Says Security of Gulf States Is ‘Indivisible’

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has strongly condemned recent Iranian attacks against Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, labeling them "flagrant violations against their sovereignty and security." Meeting in Manama, the 167th Ministerial Council denounced the assaults as breaches of international law, the UN Charter, and principles of good neighborliness. The council stated that such "hostile acts" damage trust, sow discord, and hinder dialogue, emphasizing that "aggression does not build relations, and intimidation does not create stability." Expressing full solidarity with the three targeted nations, the GCC asserted that the security of all its member states is "indivisible," meaning any attack on one is an attack on all. The council reassured citizens and residents that joint defense capabilities and air defense systems are effectively countering these attacks. It further stated that these aggressions will only strengthen the resolve of GCC peoples to resist them. The statement underscored the GCC states' right to self-defense, both individually and collectively, in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter. Iran was held "fully responsible" for the attacks and their potential repercussions on regional security, international navigation, and energy supplies. The GCC demanded an immediate halt to all targeting of its states, interests, and citizens. The council urged the UN Security Council and the international community to condemn the aggression and hold perpetrators accountable. While reaffirming the GCC's commitment to peace, good neighborliness, and diplomatic solutions, the council posed a critical question to Iran: "How can future relations be built amid the continuation of these attacks?" The statement concluded by warning that persistence in aggression would lead to further isolation, while the door to understanding remains open for those who choose dialogue.

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These hostile acts do not serve any understanding or rapprochement, but rather distance peoples from one another, undermine the foundations of trust, sow discord and close the doors of dialogue to which the GCC states have always called for.