Gulf Foreign Ministers, Britain condemn Iranian attacks

2026-03-15 - 19:46

Foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the United Kingdom have called on Iran to immediately cease all attacks and refrain from any provocative actions or threats against neighboring countries, including the use of proxy groups in the region. According to a statement issued by the GCC Secretariat on Sunday, the call came in a joint communiqué released after an extraordinary meeting held last Thursday between GCC foreign ministers and Yvette Cooper, the UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs. The ministers welcomed the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), which strongly condemned Iranian attacks targeting the territories of GCC member states and Jordan. The resolution also denounced strikes on residential areas and civilian infrastructure, including oil and service facilities, which resulted in civilian casualties and damage to buildings, describing the actions as violations of international law and threats to international peace and security. The Secretariat noted that the ministers highlighted the unprecedented level of international solidarity with the GCC countries and Jordan, reflected in the support of 136 United Nations member states for the resolution. The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to regional stability and called for the protection of civilians, full respect for international law and international humanitarian law, and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter. They also reiterated calls for Iran to curb its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and to refrain from destabilizing activities, including the use of proxy groups and interference in the internal affairs of other countries. According to the statement, the ministers agreed to continue joint diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a sustainable solution that ensures Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons and halts the development and proliferation of ballistic missiles, drones, and other technologies that threaten regional and international security. The joint statement also highlighted diplomatic efforts undertaken by GCC countries before the attacks occurred, emphasizing their commitment that their territories would not be used to launch attacks against Iran. The ministers renewed their commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as the primary means of resolving the crisis and praised the constructive mediation efforts of Oman in supporting regional stability. They also recalled the inherent right of GCC states, under Article 51 of the UN Charter, to defend themselves individually and collectively against armed attacks, as outlined in Security Council Resolution 2817. The ministers affirmed the right of GCC countries to take necessary measures to safeguard their security, protect their territories, and ensure the safety of their citizens and residents, while stressing the responsibility of the Security Council to maintain international peace and security. The statement concluded with the ministers expressing appreciation to the United Kingdom for its solidarity with GCC countries and its continued commitment to their security, stability, and territorial integrity. It also emphasized the importance of the strategic partnership between the GCC and the UK, first announced during the GCC–UK Summit held in Bahrain in 2016, while welcoming progress in negotiations toward a free trade agreement and expressing hope for its conclusion in the near future.