JEDDAH — Leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) underscored the importance of enhancing military integration, including the rapid deployment of a unified early warning system against ballistic missile threats during their consultative summit held in Jeddah on Tuesday. They strongly condemned Iranian attacks targeting member states and rejected any attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz.
The summit, chaired by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, was convened following an invitation by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, according to GCC Secretary General Jassim Mohammed Albudaiwi.
Albudaiwi said GCC leaders discussed escalating regional developments, particularly recent Iranian attacks targeting Gulf states and Jordan, and explored diplomatic pathways to resolve the crisis and enhance long-term security and stability.
The leaders expressed strong condemnation of the blatant Iranian attacks on civilian and critical infrastructure, saying the actions constitute serious violations of sovereignty, international law, and the principles of good neighborliness.
They said the attacks have significantly eroded trust in Iran and called on Tehran to take meaningful steps to rebuild confidence.
GCC leaders reaffirmed the right of member states to defend themselves individually and collectively under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, stressing that the security of GCC countries is indivisible and that any attack on one member state is considered an attack on all.
They praised the armed forces of GCC countries for their role in countering missile and drone attacks with high efficiency and professionalism.
The leaders also directed the GCC Secretariat to accelerate the implementation of joint projects, including the Gulf railway network, electricity interconnection, oil and gas pipeline systems, and water linkage initiatives.
The summit highlighted the bloc’s ability to manage the crisis, including the rapid restoration of affected energy infrastructure and efforts to maintain supply stability, strengthen logistics cooperation, and ensure continuity in the aviation sector.
Leaders firmly rejected Iran’s actions to restrict navigation in the Strait of Hormuz or impose any form of transit fees. They called for the immediate restoration of free and secure maritime passage in accordance with international law.
They emphasized the need to return conditions in the Strait to their pre-February 28 status and warned that any disruption to maritime routes threatens global energy security and supply chains.
Source: Saudi Gazette