Gulf foreign ministers convened in Bahrain on Sunday for the 168th GCC Ministerial Council, where they formally condemned recent Houthi attacks on Saudi territory. According to Asharq Al-Awsat, the session focused on regional developments and the Kingdom's right to self-defense, specifically addressing the impact of Houthi strikes on civilian infrastructure. The ministers also examined broader threats to shipping lanes in the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea.
Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, emphasized the bloc's solidarity with Riyadh. He stated that Riyadh’s safety is inseparable from the collective security of all GCC member states. Al Zayani described the Houthi strikes as a breach of international law and the Chicago Convention on civil aviation. He highlighted the strike on King Khalid International Airport, which resulted in 14 civilian deaths and over 300 injuries, noting the deliberate targeting of civilian objects and airports.
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi characterized the Houthi assaults as "deliberate criminal conduct" that disregards the safety of civilian facilities. He argued that the persistence of these attacks necessitates impactful international action to hold responsible parties accountable. Albudaiwi also pointed to repeated Iranian attacks on GCC states, describing them as a flagrant violation of sovereignty and a direct threat to regional stability.
The GCC leadership further addressed maritime security, specifically the Strait of Hormuz. Albudaiwi stated that Iran’s use of this vital waterway as a tool for pressure exposes global commerce and energy flows to significant danger. He called for Iran’s adherence to the United Nations Charter and the complete execution of UN Security Council Resolution 2817 to ensure safe passage without restrictions.
Following the ministerial council, the ninth joint ministerial session for the Gulf-Russian Strategic Dialogue took place. According to the report, this session aimed to strengthen relations between the Gulf states and Russia. Secretary-General Albudaiwi noted that talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov would address ways to develop cooperation and share perspectives on shared priorities, expanding the horizons of partnership in various fields.