Manama:The Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) convened its 168th session in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, chaired by Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Bahrain's Minister of Foreign Affairs. The session included participation from the Foreign Ministers of the GCC member states and the Secretary General of the GCC.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the Council strongly condemned the ongoing attacks by the Houthi militia on Saudi Arabia, which have targeted significant sites such as the Two Holy Mosques and civilian areas, resulting in casualties. The Council expressed condolences to victims' families and underscored the GCC's solidarity with Saudi Arabia, emphasizing shared security among member states. It also called for the rigorous enforcement of UN Security Council resolutions regarding Yemen and the Houthis and advocated for designating the Houthi militia as a terrorist group.
The Council also criticized Iran for missile and drone attacks on GCC states and Jordan, holding Iran accountable for these actions. It urged the cessation of hostilities and compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026). The Council highlighted the strategic importance of waterways like the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, stressing the need for their security to ensure the continued flow of global trade.
Additionally, the Council called for diplomatic efforts to resolve regional tensions and emphasized the importance of involving GCC states in any negotiations affecting their security, particularly concerning Iran's nuclear and missile programs and support for proxies.