The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the United Kingdom welcomed the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), which strongly condemned Iranian attacks targeting the territories of GCC states and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. These attacks violate international law, threaten international peace and security, and target civilian residential areas and infrastructure, including oil and service facilities and residential zones, resulting in civilian casualties and damage to buildings.
This was stated in a joint communiqué issued following an extraordinary meeting of GCC foreign ministers and the UK's Foreign Secretary, Commonwealth and Development Minister, which discussed developments in the Middle East and the escalation, including the blatant aggression being waged by Iran and its regional proxies against GCC states and Jordan.
The GCC delegation was chaired by Dr. Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain - the current Chairman of the GCC Ministerial Council. The UK delegation was chaired by Yvette Cooper, Foreign Secretary, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs. The meeting was attended by the foreign ministers of GCC states and the Secretary-General of the Council, Jassem Mohammed Al Badiwi.
Ministers underscored the immense importance of the existing strategic partnership between the two sides, announced at the GCC-UK Summit held in November 2016 in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and welcomed the progress in negotiations on a free trade agreement between them, expressing their hope to conclude it at the earliest opportunity.
The Ministerial Council noted the unprecedented level of international solidarity with GCC states and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, which manifested in the support of 136 UN member states for UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), which demands that Iran immediately cease all attacks and unequivocally refrain from any provocative acts or threats against neighboring states, including the use of proxies in the region.
Ministers expressed their gratitude to the UK for its solidarity with GCC states and its firm and unwavering commitment to their security, stability, and territorial integrity.
Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to regional stability and called for the protection of civilians, full respect for international law and international humanitarian law, compliance with the obligations of UN member states, and adherence to the principles of the UN Charter.
Ministers recalled their continuous calls on Iran to curb its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and to refrain from activities that destabilize the region, including the use of its proxies and interference in the internal affairs of other states.
Ministers highlighted the intensive diplomatic efforts made by GCC states prior to the attacks and their commitment to ensuring that their territories would not be used to launch attacks against Iran.
Ministers renewed their firm commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as a means to resolve the crisis, commending the constructive role played by the Sultanate of Oman in this regard and stressing the need to restore regional stability and security.
Ministers also recalled the inherent right of GCC states, under Article 51 of the UN Charter, to the individual and collective right of self-defense against armed attacks by Iran, as stipulated in UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), and affirmed that the Council has the right to take all necessary measures to defend its security and stability, protect its territories, and the safety of its citizens and residents, recalling the responsibility of the Security Council for maintaining international peace and security.
Ministers agreed to continue joint diplomatic efforts to reach a sustainable solution that ensures Iran does not possess a nuclear weapon, halts the development and proliferation of ballistic missiles and other technologies threatening the security of the region and beyond, and refrains from any activities that could destabilize the region and the world.
Ministers stressed the importance of protecting regional airspace, sea lanes, and freedom of navigation, as well as ensuring the security and supply chains, shipping operations, and seafarers, and the stability of global energy markets. They noted that UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026) condemned any Iranian actions or threats aimed at closing or obstructing international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz or threatening maritime security in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.
Ministers emphasized that the security and stability of the Gulf region are fundamental to the stability of the global economy and are closely linked to the security of the UK and international security. They commended the significant contributions made by the UK to support regional security and expressed their appreciation for the UK's recent decision to enhance defense capabilities in the region, including through the deployment of Royal Air Force Typhoon aircraft in defensive operations.
The United Kingdom expressed its sincere gratitude to GCC states for their hospitality and assistance provided to British citizens on their territories.
