Foreign Ministers from twelve Arab and Islamic countries strongly condemned Iranian attacks on regional States, saying such attacks cannot be justified under any pretext.
The Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, who held a meeting in Riyadh, called for an immediate end to hostilities and respect for international law, reaffirming the right of States to self-defence in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.
In a statement issued after the meeting, the Foreign Ministers denounced the ‘’deliberate’’ Iranian attacks using ballistic missiles and drones targeting residential areas and civilian infrastructure, including oil facilities, desalination plants, airports, housing sites and diplomatic missions.
They called on Iran to immediately halt its attacks, respect international law and international humanitarian law, and adhere to principles of good neighbourliness as a first step toward de-escalation and restoring regional stability, according to the Saudi Gazette, the second English-language daily newspaper in Saudi Arabia.
The Foreign Ministers emphasised that the future of relations with Iran depends on respect for the sovereignty of States, non-interference in their internal affairs, and refraining from using military capabilities to threaten neighbouring countries, according to the Saudi Gazette.
They also urged Iran to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), cease all attacks immediately, and avoid any provocative actions, including threats to close or disrupt international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz or undermine maritime security in Bab al-Mandeb.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, who held a press conference after the Ministerial meeting, said trust in Iran has been “completely shattered” and Tehran cannot be considered a partner in its current behaviour. He said Iran’s actions demonstrate that it does not believe in genuine dialogue with neighbouring countries, but instead relies on pressure and political and security coercion.
He described Iranian attacks on neighbouring countries and maritime navigation as a dangerous escalation and a clear violation of international law, reflecting a persistent strategy aimed at undermining regional security and stability.
Prince Faisal said Iran had “pre-planned” these attacks, indicating they were not isolated incidents but part of a systematic policy of escalation and said Iran continues to adopt a hostile approach toward its regional neighbours.
According to the Saudi Gazette, the Minister dismissed Iranian justifications as unconvincing, describing them as attempts to cover up a broader policy of coercion. He said continued miscalculations would carry political and broader consequences for Tehran.
Prince Faisal warned that Saudi Arabia reserves the right to take necessary measures when needed, emphasising that appropriate decisions will be made at the right time. “Iran is mistaken if it believes Gulf states are incapable of responding,” he said.
Accusing Iran of pushing the region toward further escalation and rising tensions, he said Iran “will not stop” unless confronted with a firm position.
Prince Faisal also dismissed Iran’s arguments linking attacks to US presence in the region, saying such claims are not credible given that targets included countries and facilities unrelated to that justification.
Ever since the war began on February 28, Iran has launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes against all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States.
In multiple strikes on Abu Dhabi and Dubai, eight civilians were killed, and more than 150 were injured. Those killed included nationals from Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Palestine.
In Kuwait, six people were killed, and several were injured. The strikes targeted a site near the US air base.
In Oman, three people were killed, and about 15 were injured in drone strikes at two ports.
In Bahrain, targets included the US Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters.
In Saudi Arabia, projectiles fell in residential areas in Al Kharj and the Ras Tanura refinery.
In Qatar, multiple strikes were carried out on Al Udeid Air Base and Ras Laffan (Thursday morning)
