A European-Gulf statement calls on Iran to stop its attacks immediately

The foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and the European Union strongly condemned the unprovoked Iranian attacks targeting the GCC countries, considering them a direct threat to regional and global security.

During an extraordinary meeting held today in Brussels to discuss the recent escalation in the Middle East, the ministers called on Iran to stop its attacks immediately, and pointed to the inherent right of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, to defend themselves individually and collectively against Iranian armed attacks, affirming the right of the GCC countries to take all necessary measures to defend their security and stability and protect their lands, citizens and residents in a way that contributes to the restoration of international peace and security, while noting the responsibility of the UN Security Council to maintain On them.

The GCC side in this meeting was chaired by Dr. Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain and Chairman of the current session of the Council of Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, with the participation of Jassim Mohammed Al Budawi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the foreign ministers of the member states, while the European side was chaired by Kaya Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, with the participation of Dubravka Šwicka and the foreign ministers of the member states of the European Union.

The ministers discussed the massive damage resulting from the recent indiscriminate Iranian attacks that targeted civilian infrastructure in the GCC countries, including oil installations, service facilities, and residential areas, and the resulting material damage and direct threat to the lives and safety of civilians. They agreed to intensify joint diplomatic efforts to reach a permanent solution that prevents Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, and stops the production and spread of ballistic missiles, drones, and any technologies that threaten the security of the region and beyond, as well as stopping destabilizing activities. In the region and Europe, and ultimately allow the Iranian people to determine their future, recalling that they have repeatedly urged Iran to curb its programs and refrain from horrific acts of violence against its people.

In a joint statement, the Ministers stressed the importance of the strategic partnership between the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council, which was established under the 1988 Cooperation Agreement and reaffirmed during the Brussels Summit in October 2024, and renewed their firm commitment to supporting regional stability, protecting civilians, and full respect for international and humanitarian law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.

The European Union reaffirmed its solidarity with the GCC countries in the face of current threats, emphasizing the intensive diplomatic efforts made by both sides before the attacks occurred, and the GCC countries’ commitment not to use their territories to launch attacks against Iran, while praising the constructive role of the Sultanate of Oman in adhering to dialogue and diplomacy as a way to resolve the crisis and restore security.

The ministers also stressed the importance of protecting regional airspace, sea routes, and freedom of navigation, including in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb, and ensuring the safety and security of supply chains and the stability of global energy markets, stressing that the security and stability of the Gulf region constitute a fundamental pillar for the stability of the global economy and are closely linked to European and international security.

In this context, the ministers recognized the importance of the European Union’s maritime defense operations “Aspidus” and “Atalanta” in protecting vital waterways and reducing disruptions to supply chains, encouraging enhanced coordination to support them and ensure energy security and nuclear safety.

At the conclusion of the statement, the European Union expressed its thanks to the Gulf Cooperation Council countries for the hospitality and assistance they provided to European Union citizens on their territories, stressing continued efforts with its member states to ensure the safe departure of its citizens in close cooperation with the Council countries.