GCC Ministerial Council Convenes to Address Iranian Aggression
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Ministerial Council convened its 50th extraordinary meeting via videoconference on Sunday, March 2, 2026. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain and current President of the Ministerial Council of the GCC. Key participants included:
- Khalifa Shaheen Almarar, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates
- H.H. Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman
- Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar
- Shaikh Jarrah Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait
- Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the GCC
The meeting was called to address the recent Iranian attacks using missiles and drones against several GCC member states, including the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar, and the State of Kuwait, which began on February 28, 2026.
Impact of the Attacks
The Ministerial Council reviewed the extensive damage caused by these attacks, which targeted civilian facilities, service sites, and residential areas. The attacks resulted in significant material damage, threatened the safety and lives of citizens and residents, and spread fear among the population. The Council emphasized that such actions constitute a serious violation of the sovereignty of these countries, the principles of good neighbourliness, and international law.
Rejection of the Attacks
The Council expressed its strongest condemnation of these attacks, which also targeted the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. It stressed that these attacks represent a clear breach of international law and the United Nations Charter, regardless of any justifications or pretexts. The Council highlighted that targeting civilians and civilian objects is a grave violation of the rules of international humanitarian law.
Solidarity Among GCC Members
The Council reaffirmed its full solidarity with GCC countries and their unified stance in confronting these attacks. It emphasized that the security of GCC member states is indivisible, and that any attack against one member state constitutes a direct attack against all GCC countries, as outlined in the GCC Charter and the Joint Defence Agreement.
Right to Self-Defence
The Council affirmed that GCC countries reserve their legal right to respond, in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which guarantees the right of self-defence, individually and collectively, in the event of aggression. It also emphasized the need to take all necessary measures to safeguard their sovereignty, security, and stability.
Military Readiness
The Council commended the efficiency and readiness of the armed forces and air defence systems of member states, which successfully intercepted missile and drone attacks with a high level of professionalism. These efforts contributed to neutralising the threat, mitigating its impact, and protecting lives, facilities, and vital assets.
Response to Continued Aggression
Despite the diplomatic efforts undertaken by the GCC countries to avoid escalation and their affirmation that their territories would not be used to launch any attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran, the latter has continued to carry out military operations targeting GCC countries, affecting numerous civilian and residential facilities.
Call for International Action
The Ministerial Council underscored the necessity of an immediate cessation of these attacks to restore security, peace, and stability in the region. It emphasized the importance of maintaining aerial and maritime security, protecting regional waterways, ensuring the integrity of supply chains, and guaranteeing the stability of global energy markets. The Council asserted that the stability of the Arabian Gulf region is a fundamental pillar of global economic stability and maritime navigation.
Appeal to the International Community
The Council called upon the international community to strongly condemn and denounce these aggressions. It urged the United Nations Security Council to take an immediate and firm stance to prevent these violations, which endanger civilian lives, and to ensure they are not repeated, given their grave repercussions for regional and international peace.
Support from Friendly Nations
The Council expressed gratitude and appreciation to the brotherly and friendly nations that condemned and denounced the Iranian aggressions, expressing solidarity with the GCC and supporting the measures taken by the Council states to protect their sovereignty, security, and stability.
Commitment to Dialogue
The Council noted that the GCC states have always advocated for dialogue, negotiations, and the resolution of all issues with the Islamic Republic of Iran, praising the role of the Sultanate of Oman in this regard. It reaffirmed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in international relations as the sole path to overcome the current crisis and preserve regional security and the safety of its peoples.
Warning Against Escalation
The Council warned that any escalation would undermine regional security and drag the region toward dangerous trajectories with catastrophic consequences for international peace and security.
Final Statement
In conclusion, the Council expressed its deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
