Manama: Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi has criticized Iran for what he described as "sinful Iranian attacks" involving ballistic missiles and drones targeting the infrastructure and vital civilian facilities of GCC states. The most recent of these attacks were directed at Bahrain and Kuwait, which Albudaiwi characterized as a blatant violation of the sovereignty of GCC member states, principles of good neighborliness, and a grave breach of international law and the United Nations Charter.
According to Qatar News Agency, during the 167th meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council in Manama, Albudaiwi commended the armed forces of the GCC states for their effective interception of more than 7,000 ballistic missiles and drones launched by Iran. He noted the professional manner in which these threats were neutralized, thereby protecting lives and vital assets.
Albudaiwi highlighted that despite the severity of these attacks, the GCC states have exercised restraint to avoid further escalation. He emphasized that the GCC states reserve their legal right to respond in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, which allows for individual and collective self-defense.
He further praised the high level of coordination among GCC states in addressing the Iranian aggressions, evidenced by over 150 extraordinary meetings at ministerial and technical levels. Albudaiwi also addressed the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as a denial of states' rights to passage and navigation under international law. He called for the immediate reopening of the Strait and advocated for a return to dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the crisis.