ISLAMABAD: In a joint statement issued after the Gulf Cooperation Council's ministerial consultative meeting, Arab and Islamic countries condemned Iran's deliberate use of ballistic missiles and drones targeting residential areas and civilian infrastructure.
Ministers of Foreign Affairs from the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the State of Kuwait, the Lebanese Republic, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Syrian Arab Republic, the Republic of Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates held a consultative ministerial meeting on March 18 in Riyadh regarding the Iranian attacks, Emirates News Agency reported on Thursday.
"Participants discussed the Iranian attacks on GCC countries, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Türkiye, condemning the deliberate use of ballistic missiles and drones targeting residential areas and civilian infrastructure, including oil facilities, desalination plants, airports, residential facilities and diplomatic missions," the statement said.
"They affirmed that such attacks cannot be justified under any circumstances and reiterated the right of states to defend themselves in accordance with Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations," it said.
‘Immediately cease attacks’
The ministers called on Iran to immediately cease its attacks, respect international law and international humanitarian law, and adhere to the principles of good neighborliness as a first step towards de-escalation, enhancing regional security and stability, and advancing diplomatic solutions.
“They stressed that the future of relations with Iran depends on respecting state sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, refraining from aggression against territories, and not using military capabilities to threaten regional countries.”
According to the statement, “Participants also urged Iran to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), cease all attacks, avoid provocative actions or threats against neighboring countries, and stop supporting, financing and arming affiliated militias in Arab states.”
“They further called on Iran to refrain from actions that could obstruct international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz or threaten maritime security in Bab Al Mandeb,” it added.
Support for Lebanon, Israeli aggression condemned
The ministers reaffirmed their support for the security, stability and unity of Lebanese territories, the full sovereignty of the Lebanese state, and the Lebanese government’s decision to restrict weapons to the state.
They also condemned Israel’s aggression against Lebanon and its expansionist policies in the region, the statement said.
“They reiterated their commitment to continued consultation and coordination to monitor developments, assess emerging situations and formulate unified positions, while taking necessary legitimate measures to protect their security, stability and sovereignty and to end the Iranian attacks.”
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