Riyadh (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM – 16 March 2026) Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council and member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council UK (UK) An extraordinary meeting was held one day to discuss the escalation in middle The East and the blatant aggression against it Iran And its regional agents against the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Jordan.
The Gulf side was headed by Dr. Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom Bahrain Chairman of the current session of the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. the UK The side was chaired by MP Yvette Cooper, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs. Their Excellencies the Foreign Ministers of the GCC countries and Secretary-General Jassim Mohammed Al Budawi participated in the meeting.
The ministers stressed the importance of the strategic partnership that was established following the British-Gulf summit held in the United Kingdom November 2016 In a kingdom Bahrain. Welcome what matters progress Made in the GCC-UK Free Trade Area deal FTA negotiations, we look forward to concluding the FTA as soon as possible.
The Ministers welcomed the adoption United Nations Security Council accuracy Resolution No. 2817 (2026) condemning in the strongest terms the heinous attacks carried out by the Islamic Republic of Iran Iran Against the territories of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Jordan, considering it a violation of international law and a serious threat to international peace and security.
They pointed out that accuracy Also condemned IranTargeting residential areas and civilian infrastructure, incl oil Service facilities and residential neighborhoods, resulting in civilian casualties and damage to civilian buildings.
The Ministerial Council noted the unprecedented international solidarity with the countries of the Cooperation Council and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, which was demonstrated in the support of 136 members of the Security Council. United Nations Which co-sponsored the UN Security Council accuracy No. 2817 (2026) and its request Iran Stop immediately everyone Attacks against Gulf Cooperation Council countries Jordan And stop unconditionally from Any provocations or threats to neighboring countries, including the use of proxies throughout the region.
He thanked the ministers UK For its solidarity with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and its strong and long-term commitment to their security, stability and territorial integrity.
The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to regional stability and called for the protection of civilians and full respect for international law, international humanitarian law and obligations related to the region. United Nations Member states must adhere to principles United Nations Charter.
The ministers indicated that they constantly urged Iran To reduce it Nuclear Ballistic missile program and abstinence from Destabilizing activities across the region, including the use of proxies and interference in the internal affairs of states.
The ministers stressed the intense diplomatic efforts made by the Gulf Cooperation Council countries before the attacks, and their commitment not to use their territories to launch attacks against civilians. Iran.
The Ministers reaffirmed their firm commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as a means to resolve the crisis, and praised the constructive role played by the United Nations. Oman In this regard, he stressed the need to restore regional stability and security.
The ministers referred to the inherent right of the GCC countries in accordance with Article 51 of the system United Nations Charter, to defend themselves, individually and collectively, against armed attacks Iranas recognized in United Nations Security Council accuracy 2817 (2026). They stressed that the GCC countries have the right to take everyone The necessary measures to defend its security and stability and protect its lands, citizens and residents. The ministers pointed to the responsibility United Nations Security Council in maintaining international peace and security.
The ministers agreed to make joint diplomatic efforts to reach a lasting solution to prevent this from happening Iran from get a Nuclear weaponTo stop the development and spread of unmanned aerial ballistic missiles Vehicles And refrain from using any technologies that threaten the security of the region and beyond from Destabilizing activities in the region and beyond.
The Ministers reaffirmed the importance of protecting regional airspace, sea routes and freedom of navigation, as well as the safety and security of supply chains, shipping and seafarers, and global energy stability. Marketsnoting that United Nations Security Council accuracy Resolution No. 2817 (2026) condemned any Iranian actions or threats aimed at closing, obstructing, or interfering with international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz or threatening maritime security in Bab al-Mandab.
The ministers stressed that the security and stability of the Gulf region are among the basic pillars of global economic stability, and are closely linked to the global economy. UK and global security. They recognized the significant contributions he made UK On the security of the region, he expressed his appreciation UK Regarding the recent decision to enhance defense capabilities in the region, including through the participation of RAF Typhoon aircraft in defensive operations.
the UK He expressed his thanks to the Gulf Cooperation Council countries for the hospitality and assistance they provided UK its citizens on its territory