GCC Secretary-General Reaffirms Gulf States' Rejection of Any Violation of Their Security, Sovereignty, and Territorial Integrity

New York, November 13 (KUNA) -- The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jassem Al-Bedaiwi, affirmed on Friday evening that GCC member states reject any infringement on their security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. He stressed that the attacks they are facing violate international law, threaten international peace and security, and necessitate action by the UN Security Council to ensure their cessation and prevent their recurrence.

This statement came during a session convened by the UN Security Council at the request of the Kingdom of Bahrain to discuss the situation in the Gulf region and its impact on international peace and security, against the backdrop of escalating tensions and threats to maritime security.

The GCC Secretariat stated in a press release that Al-Bedaiwi clarified that since February 28, the member states have been subjected to Iranian attacks involving more than 7,000 missiles and drones targeting airports, ports, vital facilities, and residential areas. These attacks have resulted in casualties and injuries and caused severe damage to infrastructure.

He reiterated the GCC’s condemnation of these attacks, holding Iran fully responsible for them and their repercussions. He welcomed the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), which condemned Iranian attacks on GCC states and Jordan and demanded their immediate cessation. He also referred to Human Rights Council Resolution 61/1 (2026), which called for holding Iran accountable and providing reparations for damages and losses resulting from its attacks.

Al-Bedaiwi reiterated the GCC’s condemnation of Iranian-backed Houthi militia attacks on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, affirming the solidarity of GCC states with the Kingdom and their support for its measures to protect its security and sovereignty. He welcomed UN Security Council Resolution 2837, which condemned the Houthi military escalation, their attacks on Saudi Arabia, and their threats to commercial navigation, calling for an end to these attacks and support for UN efforts to achieve a comprehensive political solution in Yemen.

Regarding maritime security, Al-Bedaiwi emphasized that the Straits of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab constitute vital arteries for global trade and energy supplies. He condemned attacks on commercial ships and oil and gas tankers and rejected any attempt to close sea lanes or obstruct navigation. He warned that disrupting navigation in the Strait of Hormuz has led to disruptions in global supply chains and shortages of food and fertilizer supplies, thereby threatening global food security, particularly in developing and most vulnerable countries.

He stressed the necessity of implementing relevant UN Security Council resolutions to protect maritime security and ensure the safe passage of ships and their crews in accordance with international law and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

On regional issues, Al-Bedaiwi reiterated the GCC’s position supporting the end of the Israeli occupation and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital. He affirmed support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Lebanon and Syria.

He emphasized the GCC states’ commitment to resolving crises through dialogue and diplomacy and building relations with Iran based on respect for sovereignty, good neighborliness, and non-interference in internal affairs. He stressed the need to address Gulf security concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic missiles, drones, and proxy support.

Al-Bedaiwi concluded his briefing by calling for an end to Iranian attacks on GCC states and Jordan, Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, and attacks on commercial ships, and for holding those responsible accountable. He affirmed that GCC states will continue to support mediation and peace efforts, noting that the security of the Arabian Gulf is an integral part of international security. (End) A.S.T. / M.M.J.