GCC 'Rejects' Iranian Attacks, Highlights Right To Respond After 'Civilian Facilities' Targeted

2026-03-01 11:14:25

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) In it, the Council reviewed the extensive damage resulting from what it described as 'treacherous Iranian attacks', saying they caused 'significant material damage' and 'terrorised civilians'

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The GCC has said it will take "all necessary measures" to defend its security, "including the option of responding" to Iranian aggression, following an extraordinary meeting of member states.

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The Council convened to discuss the Iranian missile and drone attacks on 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, and issued a formal statement setting out its position.

In it, the Council reviewed the extensive damage resulting from what it described as "treacherous Iranian attacks", saying they "targeted civilian facilities, service sites, and residential areas, causing significant material damage and threatening the security, safety, and lives of citizens and residents, and terrorising civilians." Members discussed the necessary measures and steps to coordinate efforts aimed at restoring security and stability and achieving peace in the region.

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The statement expressed the Council's rejection and strongest condemnation of the "criminal Iranian attacks" targeting GCC member states and Jordan, describing them as a "serious violation" of sovereignty and a clear breach of international law. It stressed that targeting civilians and civilian objects constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law.

The Council affirmed full solidarity among GCC member states and their united stance in confronting the attacks, emphasising that the security of its members is indivisible and that any aggression against one member state constitutes direct aggression against all, in accordance with the GCC Charter and the Joint Defence Agreement. It confirmed that member states reserve their legal right to respond under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which guarantees the right to individual and collective self-defence in the event of armed aggression, and to take all necessary measures to safeguard their sovereignty, security, and stability.

The Council commended the efficiency and readiness of the armed forces and air defence systems of the member states, before stressing the need for an immediate cessation of the attacks to restore security, peace, and stability to the region.

It said: "Despite the numerous diplomatic efforts undertaken by GCC states to avoid escalation, and despite their affirmation that their territories would not be used to launch any attack against the Islamic Republic of Iran, the latter continued to carry out military operations against GCC states, targeting numerous civilian and residential facilities."

The Council called on the international community to condemn the attacks unequivocally and urged the United Nations Security Council to assume its responsibilities by taking an immediate and firm stance to prevent such violations, which endanger civilian lives and must not be repeated given their serious repercussions for regional and international peace and security.

Appreciation was expressed to brotherly and friendly countries that condemned the Iranian attacks, expressed solidarity with GCC states, and supported the measures taken by the GCC to protect their sovereignty, security, and stability.

The Council noted that GCC states have consistently advocated dialogue, negotiation, and the resolution of all issues with the Islamic Republic of Iran, praising in this regard the role of the Sultanate of Oman. It reaffirmed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in relations between states, stressing that this path is the only way to overcome the current crisis and preserve regional security and the safety of its peoples. It warned that any escalation would undermine regional security and drag the region into dangerous trajectories with catastrophic consequences for international peace and security.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Council expressed its sincere condolences and deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery.