London: The Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the United Kingdom (UK) convened for an extraordinary meeting to address the escalation in the Middle East and Iran’s aggression against GCC countries and Jordan.
According to Emirates News Agency, the GCC delegation was led by Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Bahrain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, while the UK side was headed by The Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs. The meeting included the Foreign Ministers of GCC Member States and Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, GCC Secretary-General.
The Ministers emphasized the importance of their strategic partnership, established at the GCC-UK Summit in November 2016 in Bahrain. They welcomed progress in GCC-UK Free Trade Agreement negotiations and aimed for a swift conclusion of the FTA.
The Ministers praised the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), condemning Iran’s attacks on GCC and Jordanian territories. The Resolution deemed these actions a violation of international law and a threat to international peace and security.
The meeting highlighted international solidarity with GCC countries and Jordan, as shown by the support of 136 UN members co-sponsoring Resolution 2817 (2026). The Resolution demanded Iran cease all attacks and provocations against GCC states and Jordan.
The Ministers expressed gratitude to the UK for its commitment to GCC security and stability. They reiterated their commitment to regional stability, emphasizing the protection of civilians and adherence to international law.
The Ministers urged Iran to curb its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and cease destabilizing activities. They acknowledged GCC diplomatic efforts and the commitment to not use GCC territories for attacks against Iran.
The Ministers expressed a commitment to dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the crisis, praising Oman’s constructive role. They emphasized the need to restore regional stability and security.
They affirmed the GCC countries’ right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, as recognized by Resolution 2817 (2026), and the responsibility of the UN Security Council to maintain international peace and security.
The Ministers agreed to joint diplomatic efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and ceasing the proliferation of ballistic missiles and destabilizing technologies. They stressed safeguarding regional airspace, maritime routes, and freedom of navigation, condemning any Iranian actions threatening the Strait of Hormuz or maritime security in Bab-el-Mandeb.
The Ministers highlighted the Gulf region’s security as crucial to global economic stability and appreciated the UK’s contributions, including enhanced defensive capabilities with RAF Typhoon jets.
The UK expressed gratitude to GCC member states for their hospitality and assistance to UK nationals.