The key facts

  • GCC ministers at the 168th session in Manama declared full solidarity with Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks.
  • The Council supported Yemen's sovereignty and a political solution based on the GCC Initiative and UN resolutions.
  • They called for a return to the conditions in effect before February 28 in the Strait of Hormuz and supported mediation between the US and Iran.

Solidarity with Riyadh

The foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries on Sunday expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks and called for dialogue to resolve tensions between the US and Iran. In the final statement adopted at the 168th session of the GCC Ministerial Council, held on Sunday in Bahrain's capital Manama, the Council emphasizes the full solidarity of the member states with Saudi Arabia, their unified position alongside it, and support for all measures it takes to protect its sovereignty, security, and interests.

Yemen and freedom of navigation

The Council also expressed support for Yemen's sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling for a political solution based on dialogue, the GCC Initiative, the outcomes of the National Dialogue Conference, and relevant UN resolutions. Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the Red Sea, the Council stated that ensuring freedom of navigation through them is a shared international responsibility, rejected any restrictions on maritime movement, and called for a return to the conditions that existed before February 28 in the Strait of Hormuz.

US-Iran tensions

Regarding tensions between Washington and Tehran, the Council affirmed its support for mediation efforts to achieve a political solution that would not allow the region to sink into further tension and instability. The Council called for any agreement to address Iran's nuclear and missile programs, drones, and support for proxy forces, while emphasizing the need for GCC states to participate in negotiations affecting their security and interests.