Al-Khaliji: Houthi threats necessitate immediate accountability
Riyadh, KUNA: Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassem Al-Budaiwi stressed that Iran’s treacherous attacks on GCC member states and the Houthi militias’ threats to close the Bab al-Mandab strait necessitate immediate accountability and a firm international stance ensuring respect for international law, guaranteeing freedom of navigation, and protecting critical infrastructure related to energy and natural resources.
The GCC Secretariat said in a statement that these remarks were made by Al-Budaiwi during a high-level open debate of the UN Security Council titled “Natural Resource Governance: A Pillar for Peace, Security, and Prosperity,” held at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
Al-Budaiwi said that the prudent management of natural resources, in accordance with the principles of governance, transparency, rule of law, and international cooperation, constitutes a fundamental pillar for achieving development and prosperity. He warned that exploiting these resources as a tool for war or political pressure, or targeting associated infrastructure and disrupting supply routes, leads to instability and harms the global economy, as well as international peace and security.
He emphasized that the security of natural resources is closely linked to the protection of critical infrastructure, international sea lanes, and global supply chains. He noted that any attack on these lanes or disruption of navigation there not only threatens the interests of exporting countries but also directly impacts global energy security, supply chains, and the stability of global markets.
Al-Budaiwi pointed out that Iran has continued since February 28 to launch ballistic missile and drone attacks on GCC states and other countries without any legitimate justification, in blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter. He called on the Security Council and the international community to fulfill their legal responsibilities to halt these attacks and deter Iran’s aggressive policies, thereby preserving international peace and security.
The GCC Secretary-General added that these attacks do not target the attacked states alone but also represent an extension of a policy that harms the Iranian people themselves, who are suffering under a regime that squanders the country’s resources on escalation and conflict policies rather than directing them toward development, prosperity, improving citizens’ living standards, and ensuring their future.
Al-Budaiwi strongly condemned the hostile statements issued by the Houthi militias, which included threats to close the Bab al-Mandab strait and false claims against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He considered these threats a violation of international law and a direct threat to freedom of navigation and the safety of one of the world’s most important strategic sea lanes. He called for a firm international position rejecting the use of international sea lanes as a tool for blackmail or a means to undermine security and stability.
He affirmed that GCC states stand united behind the measures taken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to protect its security, sovereignty, and vital interests. He added that natural resources should serve as bridges for cooperation, partnership, and development, rather than causes of conflict and division. He stressed that protecting civilian facilities and critical infrastructure, safeguarding the security of sea lanes, respecting international law, and enhancing multilateral cooperation are all fundamental pillars for ensuring collective security and achieving sustainable development.
Al-Budaiwi concluded his speech by highlighting the GCC states’ success in utilizing their natural resources to achieve sustainable development and enhance prosperity, alongside their role in maintaining the stability of global energy markets and providing humanitarian and developmental support. He reiterated their commitment to remaining a source of stability rather than instability, a reliable partner in global energy security, and a voice supporting dialogue, de-escalation, and the primacy of the rule of law.
On a separate note, Al-Budaiwi and UN Secretary-General António Guterres discussed the latest developments in the region and their impact on regional and international security, stability, and the economy.
The GCC Secretariat stated in a statement yesterday that Al-Budaiwi emphasized during the meeting that Iran’s treacherous attacks against GCC states and its systematic targeting of infrastructure underscore its desire to undermine security and stability and sabotage peace efforts. He stressed the importance of putting an end to these attacks and deterring Iran from continuing its aggressive policies to preserve international peace and security.
For his part, Guterres expressed his renewed solidarity with GCC states against Iranian attacks and emphasized the importance of halting these attacks, which threaten security and stability.
