- Iran launched unprecedented missile and drone attacks targeting all GCC states simultaneously, marking dangerous escalation.
- Over 5,000 missiles and drones struck within weeks, causing casualties and severe infrastructure damage.
- Attacks disrupted global energy supplies, threatening markets, shipping routes, and international economic stability worldwide.
- GCC exercised restraint, refusing escalation despite direct attacks, while continuing diplomatic engagement with Iran.
- International law violations confirmed, with strong global backing holding Iran responsible for escalating tensions.
- GCC warned it will not accept aggression or becoming a battlefield, demanding accountability and immediate de-escalation.
At a critical juncture in the history of the Arabian Gulf, the GCC Secretary-General H.E. Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi. addressed ambassadors and heads of missions accredited to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, delivering a firm and detailed account of what he described as unprecedented Iranian aggression against GCC states, while reiterating the bloc’s commitment to diplomacy and regional stability.
He began by acknowledging the gravity of the moment, stating, “Before I get started, I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to you for attending this meeting today, which is held at one of the most critical and complex moments in the history of the Arabian Gulf region.”
He also extended condolences, noting, “I would like to extend my deepest condolences and sincere sympathies to the families of our martyrs — both civilians and military — who passed away as a result of the reprehensible Iranian attacks on the GCC States.”
Unprecedented Escalation
The Secretary-General outlined that on February 28, 2026, Iran launched a large-scale offensive involving ballistic missiles and drones targeting all six GCC states simultaneously, marking what he described as a strategic shift. He stressed that this was no longer indirect confrontation, but a direct attack.
Civilian infrastructure bore the brunt of the strikes, with casualties reported across multiple countries. He highlighted the latest attack, saying, “the treacherous Iranian attack on Abu Dhabi today led to casualties and injuries, while further Iranian strikes have continued to impact the countries of the Council.”
According to the briefing, more than 5,000 missiles and drones had been launched within 25 days, with 85% targeting GCC nations. While air defense systems intercepted the majority, some strikes caused significant damage to energy facilities, desalination plants, airports, residential areas, and embassies.
Threat to Global Energy and Navigation
The Secretary-General emphasized the global implications of the crisis, describing the GCC as “the economic lung of the world.” He outlined the region’s substantial contribution to global energy supply, warning that instability in the Gulf directly threatens international markets.
He accused Iran of escalating beyond military attacks to disrupting maritime routes, stating that actions such as closing the Strait of Hormuz and obstructing oil tankers violate international law. He asserted, “these acts cannot go unaccounted for; this is an international responsibility.”
He further warned that halting navigation was already affecting global supply chains, including oil, gas, food, and medical supplies.
GCC Restraint and Diplomatic Record
Despite the escalation, the Secretary-General underscored that GCC states had chosen restraint. He noted that the bloc had clearly communicated its neutrality in the broader conflict, stating that member states would not participate in military operations against Iran or allow their territories to be used.
He said, “The GCC States have exercised the utmost restraint and refrained from responding to these attacks in order to prevent further escalation.”
He also highlighted the GCC’s longstanding diplomatic efforts with Iran, including past mediation initiatives, support for dialogue, and the restoration of Saudi-Iran relations in 2023. Despite these efforts, he remarked, “We were candid in that meeting. Our statements and communications were clear… Yet Iranian missiles were directed at us.”
Legal and International Backing
The Secretary-General framed the crisis within international law, asserting that Iran’s actions violate the UN Charter, while affirming the GCC’s right to self-defense.
He pointed to strong international support, noting that a UN resolution backed by 136 countries held Iran responsible for escalating tensions. Additionally, a Human Rights Council resolution addressing the aggression received support from more than 100 nations.
He stressed the principle of collective security, stating that any attack on one GCC state is considered an attack on all under the Joint Defense Agreement.
Severe Economic Consequences
The address detailed the far-reaching economic fallout, particularly with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The Secretary-General warned that while initial impacts may appear limited to rising energy prices, the long-term consequences would be severe.
He highlighted direct strikes on major oil and gas facilities across Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain, leading to production disruptions, financial losses, and soaring insurance and shipping costs.
He cautioned, “What happens in the Strait of Hormuz does not remain there.”
A Call for Unified Global stance
Reaffirming the GCC’s stance, the Secretary-General stressed that diplomacy remains the preferred path forward. He said, “The GCC seeks only diplomatic and political solutions. This remains our primary objective.”
He urged the international community to deliver a unified and decisive message to Iran, demanding an immediate cessation of hostilities.
Rejecting any narrative that frames the situation as mere regional complexity, he emphasized, “What is taking place is a clear violation of international law and a systematic targeting of states that were not party to any conflict.”
Rejection of redrawing the region
The Secretary-General firmly rejected any attempts to reshape the Middle East’s geopolitical order in the aftermath of the crisis without GCC involvement, stressing the bloc’s central role in regional security.
In closing, he reaffirmed the GCC’s position as a pillar of stability and a key partner in the global economy, while drawing a clear line against continued aggression.
He stated, “We will not accept being targets of aggression, nor allow our territories to become arenas for regional conflicts. We will not accept the loss of our citizens’ lives without accountability.”
