The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) affirmed that the continued systematic Iranian attacks on GCC countries are clear evidence and conclusive proof of the "malicious intentions" that Tehran harbors towards its neighbors, stressing that these actions do not serve the principles of good neighborliness nor contribute to building the trust required to enhance stability in the region.
Context of historical and ongoing tensions
These statements come at a time of heightened anticipation and caution in the region, and this is not the first time the Council has issued statements condemning Iranian practices. Over the past decades, Gulf-Iranian relations have been marked by fluctuating tensions due to interference in the internal affairs of Arab states, support for armed militias operating outside the framework of the state in several Arab capitals, and the ongoing dispute over the occupied Emirati islands, which remains a major point of contention.
Observers believe that the Council’s description of the intentions as “malicious” reflects strategic impatience with Iranian policies that rely on exporting crises and using military arms to threaten border security and maritime navigation in vital waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab.
The repercussions of the attacks on regional and international security
The continuation of these attacks poses a threat not only to the GCC states but also extends to international peace and security. The Arabian Gulf region is a vital artery for global energy, and any destabilization there directly impacts oil and gas supplies, negatively affecting the global economy and leading to sharp market fluctuations.
Regionally, these practices hinder the sustainable development efforts that the Gulf states seek to achieve within their ambitious future visions. Instead of directing resources toward economic cooperation and regional integration, the countries of the region are forced to bolster their defense arsenals and raise their alert levels to counter the missile and explosive-laden drone threats that have become a prominent feature of modern conflicts in the region.
A call to the international community
In concluding its statement, the Gulf Cooperation Council reiterates its calls for the international community and the Security Council to assume their responsibilities in putting an end to these violations. The Council emphasizes that international silence regarding these transgressions could be interpreted as a green light for continued destabilization of the region, and stresses the necessity of taking deterrent measures that guarantee respect for the national sovereignty of states and compel Iran to abide by international laws and conventions.
