The foreign ministers of the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council discussed the current crisis between the United States and Iran at the 168th meeting of the council, chaired by Abdullatif Al-Zayani, the Foreign Minister of Bahrain, and attended by Sergey Lavrov, the Foreign Minister of Russia, held in Manama.
Emphasis on Diplomacy and Dialogue
In this statement, the foreign ministers of the member states called for a return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy to overcome this crisis. They emphasized that regional and international mediation efforts to achieve a political solution should be supported. The ministers also stressed the necessity of maintaining security and stability in the region and ensuring the safety of its people.
Addressing Unresolved Issues and Respecting Sovereignty of Countries
The statement of the foreign ministers also referred to unresolved issues such as Iran's nuclear program, missiles, drones, and support for Tehran's allied groups, and emphasized respect for the sovereignty of countries and refraining from interference in their internal affairs. The foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council noted that member states should participate in any negotiations or arrangements that affect their security and interests.
In this statement, the foreign ministers emphasized the necessity of restoring security and freedom of navigation and returning the Strait of Hormuz to the status it had before February 28, 2026, and indicated that these actions should be carried out in accordance with international law and with respect for the sovereignty of coastal countries and the rights of relevant countries.
The foreign ministers of the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council also deemed it essential to guarantee freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, Bab-el-Mandeb, and the Red Sea without referring to the maritime blockade of Iran and the violation of the Islamabad understanding by the United States, describing these routes as vital passages for global trade and energy supply.
In another part of this statement, the foreign ministers condemned Iran's missile and drone attacks against the member states of the council and Jordan, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation of these issues. While the damages inflicted on Iran from U.S. attacks, many of which were carried out from the territories of Gulf countries, are estimated at $270 billion, the foreign ministers of the member states called on the Security Council to compel Iran to compensate for the damages caused by its military responses.
