Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Jordan condemn continued Iranian attacks on their territories
Riyadh, July 23 (KUNA) -- The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan condemned the continued Iranian attacks and those carried out by its proxies on their territories, affirming their unified stance in confronting these attacks and their firm commitment to their legitimate right to self-defense in accordance with the United Nations Charter.
In a joint statement, the seven countries said that Iranian attacks on their territories, citizens, and civilian infrastructure have persisted since February 28, 2026, despite the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran on June 17 of last year. They noted that the pace of attacks escalated particularly against the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, targeting energy facilities, water desalination plants, ports, airports, and other civilian assets.
The statement emphasized that these attacks constitute clear acts of aggression that violate the UN Charter, international law, international humanitarian law, and Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), as well as the commitments Iran made under the memorandum of understanding, thereby posing a direct threat to international peace and security.
The seven countries stressed their inherent right to self-defense, individually or collectively, in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, and to take all necessary legal measures to protect their sovereignty, territories, citizens, commercial vessels, and critical infrastructure.
They welcomed the decision by Iraqi Prime Minister to centralize weapons under state control by September 30, 2026, affirming their support for the measures taken by the Iraqi government to prevent Iran-aligned factions, militias, and armed groups from continuing their attacks on countries in the region.
They called on the UN Security Council to issue an urgent resolution demanding an immediate halt to Iranian attacks, recognizing the right of affected states to defend themselves, and taking additional measures if these attacks persist.
The statement also praised the bravery and readiness of their armed forces in safeguarding their security and sovereignty, commending the cohesion and unity of their citizens in the face of challenges.
The seven countries reaffirmed their commitment to the freedom and safety of navigation in the Straits of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, and their readiness to work with regional countries and the International Maritime Organization to reach permanent arrangements that enhance regional security and stability in accordance with international law.
In conclusion, the statement expressed their full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and their support for the measures it is taking to safeguard its security and sovereignty, while commending the diplomatic efforts undertaken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman to achieve a comprehensive and lasting political solution to the Yemeni crisis, as well as the humanitarian and developmental support provided by the Kingdom to the Republic of Yemen. (End) K.N.Sh / M.N.F
