Riyadh : The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states condemned the Iranian attack on the Saudi tanker Wadiyan and the Qatari tanker Al Rekayyat while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, as well as the repeated Iranian attacks on the Kingdom of Bahrain and the State of Kuwait.
In a statement, the states described the attacks as a serious violation of international law, United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817, and the memorandum of understanding between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran, under which a ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz were agreed upon.
The GCC member states reaffirmed the full solidarity of its member states, stressing that the security of the GCC is indivisible and that any attack against one member state constitutes a direct attack against all member states under the GCC Charter and the Joint Defence Agreement. It also affirmed the right of member states to self-defence in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter and to take all necessary measures to safeguard their sovereignty, security, and stability.
The GCC states held the Islamic Republic of Iran fully responsible for the attacks and their consequences, warning that continued hostile acts and destabilising behaviour undermine regional and international peace and security, threaten international navigation, and expose energy markets and the global economy to serious risks.
The member states renewed the call on the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, to condemn the attacks, fulfil its responsibilities, and ensure safe passage through international waterways and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz without restrictions or transit and service fees, in accordance with international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The GCC member states also urged an immediate, permanent, and unconditional end to all Iranian hostilities and the sustainable and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. It also rejected any unilateral and unlawful mechanisms or arrangements.
The statement concluded by stressing that it was imperative that Iran fully complied with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817 and the memorandum of understanding between it and the United States of America. It also called for implementation of all its provisions to contribute to consolidating regional and international security and stability.
