By Staff Reporter
RIYADH, March 2, 2026 – The Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has strongly condemned what it described as “heinous” Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting member states, as well as the Jordan, warning that the assaults represent a grave violation of sovereignty and international law.
The condemnation came during the Council’s 50th extraordinary meeting, held Sunday via videoconference and chaired by Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, in his capacity as President of the Ministerial Council.
Civilian Sites Targeted
According to the Council, the attacks — which began on February 28 — struck civilian facilities, service infrastructure, and residential areas across GCC states, resulting in significant material damage and spreading fear among citizens and residents.
The bloc said the assaults constituted a serious breach of international law, the principles of good neighbourliness, and the Charter of the United Nations. It further stressed that targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure amounts to a grave violation of international humanitarian law, regardless of any justifications presented.
“Security Is Indivisible”
The Council underscored that the security of GCC member states is indivisible, declaring that any attack against one member state is considered an attack against all, in accordance with the GCC Charter and the Joint Defence Agreement.
It affirmed that member states reserve their legal right to respond under Article 51 of the UN Charter, which guarantees the right to self-defence, individually and collectively, in the event of armed aggression.
Air Defences Praised
The Ministerial Council commended the readiness and professionalism of the armed forces and air defence systems of member states, noting that missile and drone threats were intercepted with high efficiency, helping to neutralise risks and safeguard lives and critical infrastructure.
Call for Immediate Ceasefire
Despite diplomatic efforts by GCC countries to avoid escalation — including assurances that their territories would not be used to launch attacks against Iran — the Council said military operations continued to target the bloc.
The GCC called for an immediate cessation of hostilities to restore peace and stability in the region. It also highlighted the critical importance of maintaining aerial and maritime security, safeguarding regional waterways, protecting global supply chains, and ensuring the stability of energy markets.
The Council warned that instability in the Arabian Gulf region carries global economic implications and could have severe consequences for international peace and maritime navigation.
Appeal to the International Community
The bloc urged the international community and the United Nations Security Council to take a firm and immediate stance to prevent further violations, stressing the need to protect civilian lives and regional stability.
At the same time, the Council reaffirmed its longstanding position advocating dialogue and diplomacy with the Islamic Republic of Iran, praising mediation efforts led by the Sultanate of Oman.
Warning Against Escalation
Concluding the meeting, the Council cautioned that further escalation could push the region into dangerous trajectories with catastrophic consequences for international peace and security.
It extended condolences to the families of victims and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the attacks.
Source: Emirates News Agency
