Gulf-British statement: Protecting the Strait of Hormuz from Iranian threats
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the United Kingdom issued a firm joint statement, following an extraordinary meeting of foreign ministers, in which they strongly condemned the ongoing Iranian attacks and threats targeting the security of the GCC countries, and the threat to close or disrupt maritime traffic in Strait of Hormuz .
Historical context and strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important waterways, through which approximately one-fifth of the world's oil supply passes, making it a vital artery for the global economy. Historically, this region has witnessed frequent tensions, with Iran frequently using the threat of closing the strait as a political bargaining chip in the face of international sanctions or regional crises. Any disruption to navigation in this strait would not only affect energy-exporting countries in the Middle East, but its repercussions would extend to a sharp rise in global oil prices and an increase in shipping and insurance costs, threatening the stability of the entire international economy.
Strengthening the Gulf-British strategic partnership
The GCC delegation to this extraordinary meeting was headed by Dr. Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain and current Chairman of the Ministerial Council, while the UK delegation was headed by the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs. The meeting was attended by Their Excellencies the Foreign Ministers of the GCC member states and His Excellency the Secretary-General of the GCC, Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi. Both sides affirmed the depth of the strategic partnership established during the 2016 summit in Bahrain, expressing their aspiration to finalize the free trade agreement between them as soon as possible to enhance economic cooperation.
Condemnation of targeting civilians and commitment to international law
The ministers welcomed the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2817, which received unprecedented support from 136 UN member states. The resolution condemned in the strongest terms the Iranian attacks targeting the territories of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The statement highlighted the gravity of Iran’s targeting of residential areas and civilian infrastructure, including oil and service facilities, resulting in civilian casualties and a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law, thereby threatening international peace and security.
Expected impact and commitment to diplomacy and the right to self-defense
At the regional and international levels, the ministers stressed that the security of the Gulf region is a cornerstone of global economic stability and supply chains. The statement called on Iran to immediately cease all its attacks and refrain from any provocative actions or the use of proxies to destabilize neighboring countries. At the same time, the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the diplomatic track, commending the constructive role played by the Sultanate of Oman in de-escalation efforts. The inherent right of the GCC states to self-defense, individually and collectively, in accordance with Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, was also emphasized.
Continuing joint efforts to protect the region's security
Both sides agreed on the need to reach a sustainable solution that prevents Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and halts its ballistic missile and drone development programs. In closing, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states commended the United Kingdom's military and defense role, including the participation of Royal Air Force Typhoon aircraft in protecting regional airspace, while the United Kingdom expressed its gratitude to the GCC states for hosting and supporting British citizens in the region.
