Riyadh, March 16 (QNA) - The Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (QCC) and the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom welcomed the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), which condemned in the strongest terms the attacks carried out by the Islamic Republic of Iran against the territories of the GCC countries and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, considering them a violation of international law and a serious threat to international peace and security.

They noted that the Resolution also condemned Iran's targeting of residential areas and civilian infrastructure, including oil facilities, service facilities and residential areas, which resulted in civilian casualties and damage to civilian buildings.

This came during an extraordinary meeting to discuss developments in the Middle East and the escalation in the region, including the blatant aggression by Iran and its regional proxies against the GCC countries and Jordan.

The GCC side was headed by HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain and Chairman of the current session of the GCC Ministerial Council, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, while UK side was headed by HE Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Yvette Cooper. The Foreign Ministers of the GCC Member States and HE GCC Secretary-General, Jassim Mohammed Al Budaiwi, took part in the meeting.

The Ministerial Council noted the unprecedented expression of international solidarity with the GCC countries and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, illustrated by the support of 136 members of the United Nations for United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), which demanded that Iran immediately cease all attacks and unconditionally cease from any provocations or threats to neighboring states, including the use of proxies across the region.

The Ministers reiterated their commitment to regional stability and called for the protection of civilians and full respect of international law, international humanitarian law and the obligations on UN Member States to abide by the principles of the United Nations Charter.

  The Ministers recalled that they consistently urged Iran to curb its nuclear program and ballistic missile program and refrain from destabilizing activities across the region, including the use of proxies and interference in the domestic affairs of states.

The Ministers highlighted the extensive diplomatic efforts by the GCC member states prior to the attacks and their commitment that their territories would not be used to launch attacks against Iran, reaffirming their unwavering commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as means to resolve the crisis. They commended the constructive role of Oman in this regard and highlighted the need to restore regional stability and security.

They recalled the inherent right of the GCC countries, in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, to defend themselves individually and collectively against the armed attacks of Iran, as recognized in United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026).

The Ministers affirmed that the GCC states have the right to take all necessary measures to defend their security and stability and protect their territories, citizens and residents, and recalled the responsibility of the United Nations Security Council in maintaining international peace and security.

The Ministers agreed to undertake joint diplomatic efforts to bring about a lasting solution to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, to cease development and proliferation of ballistic missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and any technologies that threaten the security of the region and beyond, and to refrain from destabilizing activities in the region and beyond.

The statement also affirmed the importance of safeguarding regional air space, maritime routes and freedom of navigation, as well as the safety and security of supply chains, shipping and mariners, and the stability of global energy markets, noting that United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026) condemned any Iranian actions or threats aimed at closing or obstructing international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz or threatening maritime security in the Bab-el-Mandeb.

It also stressed that the security and stability of the Gulf region are fundamental pillars of the stability of the global economy and are intrinsically linked to the security of the United Kingdom and international security.

The statement recognized the significant contributions by the United Kingdom to the security of the region and expressed appreciation for the recent decision to enhance defensive capabilities in the region, including through the participation of RAF Typhoon jets in defensive operations.

The United Kingdom also expressed its sincere thanks to the GCC member states for the hospitality and assistance provided to British nationals in their territories.

The Ministers also underscored the significance of the strategic partnership between the GCC and the United Kingdom established following the GCC-UK Summit held in November 2016 in the Kingdom of Bahrain, welcoming the progress made in the GCC-UK Free Trade Agreement negotiations and expressing their aspiration to conclude the agreement as rapidly as possible. (QNA)