On the fourth day of an unprecedented direct military confrontation between Israel and Iran, hostilities have intensified to levels described by regional observers as approaching “total military destruction” within both nations.
As missiles strike deep into Israeli and Iranian territories, international diplomatic efforts have surged to contain the fallout and push for an urgent ceasefire.
Kuwait, in its capacity as chair of the current Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Ministerial Council, is taking a leading role in these efforts. Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya presided over the 48th extraordinary meeting of GCC foreign ministers, which focused on the rapidly deteriorating regional situation, steps to enhance joint Gulf cooperation, and bolstering diplomatic strategies to safeguard regional peace and stability, reports Al-Rai daily.
The Council issued a firm condemnation of Israel’s attacks on the Islamic Republic of Iran, denouncing them as a violation of Iranian sovereignty, a breach of international law, and a clear infringement of the UN Charter. It emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire and a return to diplomatic channels to prevent the region from descending into broader, uncontrollable conflict.
The statement also warned against any assault on nuclear facilities, citing the catastrophic risks of radioactive fallout and calling on the UN Security Council and the international community to intervene immediately to stop the war and resume US-Iran nuclear negotiations, with Oman acting as mediator.
The Ministerial Council further underscored the critical importance of securing maritime routes and international shipping lanes, particularly in the Arabian Gulf. It condemned actions that endanger commercial vessels, disrupt global trade, or target oil facilities in GCC countries, highlighting the risks such acts pose not only to regional stability but also to the global economy.
In closing, Secretary-General Al-Budaiwi urged all states and actors to show restraint, warning that any further military moves could lead the region into a wider war with devastating and unpredictable consequences.
As diplomatic pressure builds and the Gulf nations move into high alert, the coming days will test whether the region can avoid sliding into deeper chaos—or if the warnings from Kuwait and its Gulf partners will go unheeded.
