Riyadh: Secretary-General of the GCC H E Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi has said that Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC member states, affirmed during the 19th Consultative Meeting of GCC Leaders held yesterday in Jeddah their right to self-defense, individually or collectively, in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.
They also stressed their right to take all necessary measures to protect their sovereignty, security, and stability, and emphasized full solidarity among member states, noting that their security is indivisible and that any attack on any member state is considered a direct attack on all, in accordance with the GCC Joint Defense Agreement.
In a media statement issued following the meeting in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Al-Budaiwi noted that the leaders praised the courage and high valor demonstrated by the armed forces of GCC countries in confronting blatant Iranian attacks.
They commended the forces’ capabilities and readiness, which enabled them to effectively counter missile and drone attacks with high professionalism and efficiency, safeguarding the security of member states and the resources of their peoples.
The GCC Secretary-General added that the leaders reviewed current regional developments, particularly the escalation in the region and the attacks carried out by Iran against GCC states and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. They also discussed ways to establish a diplomatic path to end the crisis and pave the way for agreements and understandings that address GCC concerns and enhance long-term security and stability.
He further explained that GCC leaders strongly condemned and denounced the blatant Iranian attacks targeting GCC countries and Jordan, which affected civilian facilities and infrastructure, resulting in loss of life and property. These actions were described as a grave violation of the sovereignty of GCC states, the UN Charter, international law, and principles of good neighborliness. The attacks have also significantly undermined GCC states’ trust in Iran, necessitating serious efforts by Iran to rebuild that trust.
Al-Budaiwi also stated that the leaders firmly rejected Iran’s unlawful measures to close the Strait of Hormuz, obstruct navigation, and threaten maritime security, as well as any actions that could negatively impact navigation, including imposing fees under any circumstances or pretexts for vessel passage. They stressed the need to restore maritime security and freedom of navigation and to return conditions in the strait to their state prior to February 28, 2026.
He added that the leaders praised the GCC countries’ ability to address the challenges arising from the crisis, highlighting their resilience, wise handling, and strong solidarity. Member states were able to rapidly and efficiently rehabilitate energy facilities damaged by Iranian attacks, helping to maintain energy supplies. They also managed supply chain disruptions and enhanced cooperation in logistics and the aviation sector.
The Secretary-General noted that GCC leaders issued directives to the GCC General Secretariat to expedite the completion of requirements for achieving all joint Gulf projects, including transport and logistics, and to accelerate the implementation of the GCC railway project. They also emphasized the importance of the electricity interconnection project, as well as moving swiftly toward establishing oil and gas pipeline projects, a water interconnection project among GCC countries, and continuing studies on creating strategic Gulf reserves.
Finally, he stated that GCC leaders stressed the importance of intensifying military integration among member states and expediting the completion of the early warning system for ballistic missiles.
