The European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council have condemned what they described as unjustifiable Iranian attacks on GCC countries, saying the action threatens regional stability and global security.

The blocs called on Iran to immediately cease the attacks.

The position is contained in a joint statement issued after an extraordinary virtual meeting of the EU and GCC foreign ministers on Thursday. Anouar El Anouni, spokesperson for the EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, signed the statement.

The ministers discussed the escalation of the Middle East crisis and Iran’s attacks on GCC countries. They reaffirmed the importance of the EU-GCC strategic partnership, established under the 1988 Cooperation Agreement and further strengthened at the EU-GCC Brussels Summit in October 2024.

The GCC delegation was led by Bahrain’s foreign affairs minister, Abdullatif Al Zayani, who chairs the current session of the GCC Ministerial Council. Also present were the GCC secretary-general, Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, and foreign ministers of GCC member states. 

The EU side was led by the high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, Kaja Kallas, alongside European Commission vice-president Dubravka Suica and foreign ministers of EU member states.

The ministers condemned the Iranian attacks on GCC countries and reaffirmed the EU’s solidarity with the Gulf states.

They reiterated their commitment to regional stability and called for the protection of civilians and full respect for international law, including international humanitarian law and the UN Charter.

The ministers also urged Iran to curb its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes and refrain from destabilising activities in the region and in Europe. They expressed concern over the damage caused by recent Iranian attacks targeting civilian infrastructure, including oil facilities, service centres and residential areas.

According to them, the attacks caused material damage and threatened civilian lives.

The ministers noted diplomatic efforts by the EU and GCC countries before the attacks and the commitment of GCC states not to allow their territories to be used to launch attacks against Iran.

They reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the crisis and commended Oman for its constructive role.

The ministers also recalled the right of GCC countries under Article 51 of the UN Charter to defend themselves individually or collectively against armed attacks. They said GCC states could take necessary measures to protect their territories, citizens and residents.

The ministers emphasised the role of the UN Security Council in maintaining international peace and security.

They also agreed to strengthen diplomatic efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and to stop the proliferation of ballistic missiles, drones and other threatening technologies.

The ministers stressed the need to safeguard regional airspace, maritime routes and freedom of navigation, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb.

They said protecting supply chains and global energy markets remained critical to global economic stability. They also acknowledged the role of EU maritime operations ASPIDES and ATALANTA in protecting key waterways and reducing disruptions to supply chains.

The EU thanked GCC countries for assisting EU nationals in the region and pledged continued cooperation to ensure the safe departure of their citizens.

The GCC comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The countries are key markets for EU agricultural exports, while the EU mainly exports cereal preparations, cigars, and cigarettes. 

(NAN)