‘No Pretext, No Excuse’, regional powers issue fierce warning to Iran over escalating attacks

2026-03-19 - 07:42

In a forceful and unambiguous declaration, foreign ministers from across the Arab and Islamic world asserted that the recent Iranian assaults on regional states are indefensible under any circumstance, stripping away any attempt at justification. The statement emerged from a high-level consultative meeting held in Riyadh, where ministers representing 12 nations — including the Kuwait — convened under a shared sense of urgency. Kuwait’s delegation was led by Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. At the heart of the discussions were the escalating Iranian attacks targeting countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, as well as the Jordan, Azerbaijan, and Turkey. The ministers delivered a unified condemnation of what they described as deliberate strikes carried out with ballistic missiles and drones — attacks that struck not only military targets but also civilian life at its core. Residential neighborhoods, vital infrastructure, oil installations, water desalination plants, airports, diplomatic missions, and civilian facilities were all cited as targets in what the ministers portrayed as a dangerous and reckless campaign threatening regional stability. Reaffirming their adherence to international law, the participants underscored the inherent right of nations to defend themselves in line with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. They called on Iran to immediately halt its attacks, respect international humanitarian principles, and embrace the norms of good neighborliness as a pathway toward de-escalation and stability. The ministers made it clear that the future of relations with Iran hinges on its respect for sovereignty, its commitment to non-interference, and its abandonment of policies that weaponize military capabilities to intimidate neighboring states. They further urged Iran to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817, cease all hostile actions, and refrain from supporting and arming affiliated militias across Arab countries — actions they warned undermine national stability and serve narrow geopolitical ambitions. The statement also sounded the alarm over threats to global maritime security, calling on Iran to avoid any attempt to disrupt navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, both of which are critical arteries of international trade. Beyond Iran, the ministers reaffirmed their unwavering support for the sovereignty, stability, and territorial integrity of Lebanon, emphasizing the necessity of consolidating state authority over all arms within its borders. They also condemned Israeli military actions in Lebanon and what they described as expansionist policies across the region. In a closing note of resolve, the participating nations pledged to intensify coordination and consultation, signaling the emergence of a cohesive regional stance aimed at confronting escalating threats, safeguarding sovereignty, and restoring stability in an increasingly volatile landscape.