The leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have expressed firm and categorical rejection of what they described as Iran’s illegal actions aimed at closing the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting maritime navigation, and threatening regional security, along with any measures that could undermine freedom of navigation in the vital waterway.
This position was outlined in a statement issued by GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi following the 19th Consultative Meeting of the GCC leaders held in Jeddah.
The summit was convened at the invitation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia, and chaired by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.
According to Al-Budaiwi, the leaders reviewed the latest regional developments, including escalating tensions and what they described as Iranian attacks against GCC states and Jordan.
The discussions also focused on diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis and establish long-term frameworks to strengthen regional security and stability.
The GCC leaders strongly condemned what they termed direct Iranian attacks on member states, saying these strikes targeted civilian infrastructure and resulted in casualties and material damage.
They described these actions as a violation of international law, the UN Charter, and principles of good neighborliness, while also noting a significant decline in trust that requires serious efforts from Tehran to rebuild confidence.
The statement reaffirmed the GCC’s collective defense principle, stressing that any attack on one-member state is an attack on all, in line with the Joint Defense Agreement.
It also emphasized the right of member states to take necessary defensive measures individually or collectively under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
The leaders praised the preparedness of GCC armed forces in responding to recent threats, particularly missile and drone attacks, and highlighted their efficiency in safeguarding national security and critical infrastructure.
They also commended the rapid recovery of energy facilities damaged in earlier incidents, which helped stabilize energy supplies and supply chains.
On maritime security, the leaders reiterated their absolute rejection of any attempts to restrict or control navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, including the imposition of fees or other restrictions.
They called for restoring conditions in the Strait to pre-crisis levels and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of global energy trade.
The summit further directed accelerated progress on major GCC integration projects, including the Gulf Railway, electricity interconnection, oil and gas pipelines, and water connectivity initiatives.
The leaders also emphasized advancing joint defense coordination, including the development of a ballistic missile early warning system and broader military integration.
The statement concluded by underscoring the importance of strengthening Gulf unity, enhancing strategic infrastructure cooperation, and reinforcing collective security as a unified bloc.
