GCC on Iranian Attacks: “We Reserve the Right to Respond"

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) held its 50th Extraordinary Ministerial Council meeting via videoconference on Sunday, March 1st, 2026, to address recent Iranian missile and drone strikes against several member states.

The Council—which included the foreign ministers of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait, alongside GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi—strongly condemned the attacks targeting civilian facilities, service sites, and residential areas across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan. The attacks were described as a “heinous violation of sovereignty, a breach of international law and the UN Charter, and a serious threat to regional stability.”

The Council emphasised that member states reserve their legal right to respond, in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which guarantees the right to self-defense, individually and collectively, in the event of aggression. It further affirmed that all necessary measures would be taken to safeguard sovereignty, security, and stability.

Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to avoid escalation, the GCC warned that continued Iranian attacks threaten regional peace, maritime security, supply chains, and global energy markets. The Council called on the international community and the UN Security Council to condemn the attacks and take immediate measures to prevent further violations.