المملكة: Urgent: British-Gulf statement: Condemning any Iranian threats to close or obstruct navigation in the Strait of Hormuz

The statement indicated that Their Highnesses, Excellencies and Excellencies the Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom held an extraordinary meeting on March 12, 2026 AD. To discuss developments in the situation in the Middle East region and the escalation it has witnessed, including the blatant aggression launched by Iran and its regional agents against the GCC countries and Jordan.

Strategic Partnership

The GCC delegation was headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain – Chairman of the current session of the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council – Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, while the United Kingdom delegation was headed by His Excellency the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth Affairs and Development, Yvette Cooper, and their Excellencies participated in the meeting His Excellency the Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and His Excellency the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jassim Mohammed Al Budaiwi.

The Ministers stressed the great importance of the existing strategic partnership between the two sides, which was announced at the summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the United Kingdom held in November 2016, in the Kingdom of Bahrain. They also welcomed the progress made in the free trade agreement negotiations between the two sides, expressing their aspiration to conclude it as soon as possible.

He welcomed The Ministers adopted Security Council Resolution No. 2817 (2026), which condemned in the strongest terms the Iranian attacks that targeted the territories of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, in violation of international law and a threat to international peace and security.

Iran’s targeting of residential areas

They also noted that the resolution also condemned Iran’s targeting of residential areas and civilian infrastructure, including oil and service facilities and residential areas, which resulted in civilian casualties and damage to civilian buildings.

The Ministerial Council noted the unprecedented level of international solidarity with the GCC countries and the Kingdom of Jordan. The Hashemite Republic, which was demonstrated by the support of 136 member states of the United Nations for Security Council Resolution No. 2817 (2026).

He stressed the demand that Iran immediately stop all attacks, and unconditionally refrain from any provocative actions or threats directed at neighboring countries, including the use of proxies in the region, expressing their thanks to the United Kingdom for its solidarity with the GCC countries, and its firm and continuing commitment to their security, stability and safety.

Protecting civilians

​The ministers affirmed their commitment to regional stability, and called for the protection of civilians, full respect for international law and international humanitarian law, fulfillment of the obligations of member states of the United Nations, and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter.

The ministers recalled their continued urging of Iran to curb its nuclear program and ballistic missile program, and to refrain from activities that would destabilize the region, including the use of its agents and interference in foreign affairs.

The ministers highlighted the intensive diplomatic efforts made by the GCC countries before the attacks occurred, and their commitment that their territories will not be used to launch attacks against Iran.

Commitment to Dialogue and Diplomacy

The Ministers renewed their firm commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as a means of resolving the crisis, praising the constructive role played by the Sultanate of Oman in this regard, and stressing the need to restore regional stability and security.
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The ministers recalled the inherent right of the GCC countries, in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, to defend themselves individually and collectively against armed attacks launched by Iran, as stipulated in Security Council Resolution No. 2817 (2026).

They stressed that the GCC countries have the right to take all necessary measures to defend their security and stability and protect their territories and the safety of their citizens and residents. The ministers also recalled the responsibility of the Security Council to maintain peace. and international security.

Continuing diplomatic efforts

The ministers agreed to continue joint diplomatic efforts in order to reach a sustainable solution that ensures that Iran does not possess a nuclear weapon, stop the development and spread of ballistic missiles, drones, and other technologies that threaten the security of the region and beyond, and refrain from any activities that would destabilize the region and beyond.

The ministers stressed the importance of protecting the region. Regional air and sea lanes and freedom of navigation, in addition to ensuring the safety and security of supply chains, shipping operations and sailors, and the stability of global energy markets.

They noted that Security Council Resolution No. 2817 (2026) condemned any Iranian measures or threats aimed at closing or obstructing international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz or threatening maritime security in Bab al-Mandab.

Security and stability of the Gulf region

The ministers stressed that the security and stability of the Gulf region They represent essential pillars for the stability of the global economy, and are closely linked to the security of the United Kingdom and international security.

They noted the important contributions made by the United Kingdom in supporting the security of the region, and expressed their appreciation for the recent decision of the United Kingdom regarding strengthening defense capabilities in the region, including through the participation of the British Royal Air Force’s Typhoon aircraft in defensive operations.

The United Kingdom expressed its sincere thanks to the GCC countries for the hospitality and assistance provided to British citizens. those present on its territory.