GCC States, Jordan: Continued Iranian Attacks Are ‘Explicit Acts of Aggression’

Gulf-Jordanian ministerial meeting held in Makkah (GCC file photo)
Gulf-Jordanian ministerial meeting held in Makkah (GCC file photo)
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GCC States, Jordan: Continued Iranian Attacks Are ‘Explicit Acts of Aggression’

Gulf-Jordanian ministerial meeting held in Makkah (GCC file photo)
Gulf-Jordanian ministerial meeting held in Makkah (GCC file photo)

All member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Jordan said on Thursday they were united in condemning the “treacherous aggression” launched by Iran and its proxies against their territories.

“The seven states underline that Iran's attacks on their territories, citizens, and civilian infrastructure have continued uninterrupted since February 28, 2026, including following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United States of America and Iran on June 17, 2026,” they said in a joint statement.

The attacks have escalated particularly against Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, targeting energy facilities, water desalination plants, ports, airports and other civilian infrastructure.

“The seven states stress that these ongoing attacks constitute explicit acts of aggression violating the UN Charter, international law, international humanitarian law, UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), and the explicit commitments made by Iran under the MoU, posing a threat to international peace and security,” said the statement.

They also affirmed their inherent right to self-defense, individually or collectively, in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, and to take all necessary legal measures to protect their sovereignty, territories, citizens, commercial vessels, and vital infrastructure in the face of ongoing attacks.

The seven countries welcomed the Iraqi prime minister’s decision to bring all weapons under exclusive state control by no later than September 30, while expressing their support for the decisive and effective measures taken by Iraq’s government in fulfillment of its responsibility to prevent pro-Iranian factions, and militias from continuing their hostile operations against countries in the region.

The statement urged the UN Security Council to adopt an urgent resolution demanding an immediate halt to the Iranian attacks, recognize the right of affected states to defend themselves and consider additional measures if the systematic attacks do not cease.

The seven states also praised the professionalism and high readiness of their armed forces in defending their sovereignty, security, stability, and the safety of their civilians.

They reaffirmed commitment to the freedom and safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab Al-Mandab, and to maintaining regional security and stability, expressing their readiness to work with all countries in the region and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to reach permanent arrangements consistent with international law, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, state sovereignty, and good neighborliness.

The seven stated underscored their full solidarity with Saudi Arabia, their complete support for the legitimate measures it takes to preserve its sovereignty, security, stability, and territorial integrity, and their deep appreciation for the diplomatic efforts undertaken by the Kingdom and Oman to reach a comprehensive and lasting political solution to the Yemeni crisis, as well as the developmental and humanitarian support provided by the Kingdom to Yemen.



Bahrain Crown Prince Receives Saudi and GCC Interior Ministers

Bahrain’s Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa receives the Gulf ministers in Manama on Wednesday. (SPA)
Bahrain’s Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa receives the Gulf ministers in Manama on Wednesday. (SPA)
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Bahrain Crown Prince Receives Saudi and GCC Interior Ministers

Bahrain’s Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa receives the Gulf ministers in Manama on Wednesday. (SPA)
Bahrain’s Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa receives the Gulf ministers in Manama on Wednesday. (SPA)

Bahrain’s Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa received in Manama on Wednesday Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz and the interior ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud conveyed the greetings of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to Prince Salman bin Hamad, along with his wishes for continued progress and prosperity for Bahrain and its people.

Prince Salman bin Hamad commended the efforts of the interior ministers during their meeting and the outcomes achieved in strengthening the security and stability of GCC member states.

The meeting also addressed security cooperation among GCC countries and ongoing efforts to boost coordination and integration in security-related fields.

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi attended the talks.


Coalition: Air Defenses Destroy 3 Cruise Missiles Launched by Houthis Toward Riyadh Region

Air defenses intercepted and destroyed three cruise missiles launched by the terrorist Houthi militia toward the Riyadh Region. (Saudi Defense Ministry)
Air defenses intercepted and destroyed three cruise missiles launched by the terrorist Houthi militia toward the Riyadh Region. (Saudi Defense Ministry)
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Coalition: Air Defenses Destroy 3 Cruise Missiles Launched by Houthis Toward Riyadh Region

Air defenses intercepted and destroyed three cruise missiles launched by the terrorist Houthi militia toward the Riyadh Region. (Saudi Defense Ministry)
Air defenses intercepted and destroyed three cruise missiles launched by the terrorist Houthi militia toward the Riyadh Region. (Saudi Defense Ministry)

Official Spokesperson of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Major General Turki Al-Malki said on Wednesday that air defenses intercepted and destroyed three cruise missiles launched by the terrorist Houthi militia toward the Riyadh Region.

On Tuesday, Al-Maliki said air defenses destroyed a Houthi ballistic missile fired at Riyadh.

They also downed a drone in the Eastern Region.


Pakistani Military to Asharq Al-Awsat: Our Commitment to Saudi Security Is Non-Negotiable

Pakistani military spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry. (Reuters)
Pakistani military spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry. (Reuters)
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Pakistani Military to Asharq Al-Awsat: Our Commitment to Saudi Security Is Non-Negotiable

Pakistani military spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry. (Reuters)
Pakistani military spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry. (Reuters)

Pakistani military spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stressed that the transition of the Makkah Joint Defense Alliance into the practical implementation phase of its collective defense commitments entails adopting measures to enable the rapid deployment of agreed-upon forces and military capabilities inside Saudi Arabia. These steps include elevating readiness levels, bolstering military integration, sharing intelligence, and coordinating to conduct exclusively defensive operations.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, the spokesperson stressed his country's readiness, in light of current circumstances and based on the Joint Strategic Defense Agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan and the Makkah Alliance, to take all necessary defensive measures to defend the Kingdom.

Islamabad's commitment to the Kingdom's security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity is "absolute and non-negotiable", he added.

Capabilities and forces

Regarding Pakistani forces and military capabilities in Saudi Arabia, Chaudhry revealed that Pakistani troops are already present in the Kingdom, operating in various capacities with their primary missions consisting of providing defensive support, exercises, and maneuvers.

Islamabad will continue to provide any required support for defensive purposes, whether in terms of military personnel, military capabilities, training, or logistical assistance, he said.

In response to a question regarding reinforcing the military presence or providing additional capabilities, including air and missile defense and intelligence sharing, he said that the necessary support will continue to be provided without specifying exact details, explaining that military alliances do not disclose troop numbers, deployment locations, or operational specifics.

Joint defense measures

Regarding the military measures to implement the alliance's commitments, Chaudhry explained that the transition to practical implementation of the Makkah Alliance obligations follows the recent attacks targeting Saudi Arabia.

He reiterated Pakistan's strong condemnation of the strikes on airports, cities, and civilian and economic infrastructure, describing them as a direct threat to Saudi Arabia's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, as well as a danger to regional stability and civilian safety.

Chaudhry said that those attacks raise deep concern in Pakistan, stressing that "the security of Saudi Arabia and the Two Holy Mosques is a top, non-negotiable priority,"

He also urged the need for restraint, de-escalation, and resorting to diplomatic solutions, as any further escalation serves the interest of no party.

Talks with Iran

On the diplomatic level, he explained that the meeting between representatives of the Makkah Joint Defense Alliance and Iran, held in Tehran on October 26, aimed to establish a framework for de-escalation and enhance regional cooperation.

He noted that the participation of Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir in the meeting, along with his visit to Tehran days earlier, underscores Pakistan's commitment to promoting dialogue and the peaceful settlement of regional disputes.

The participants agreed to "continue dialogue to enhance cooperation among the four countries and contribute to achieving peace and stability in the region," without disclosing any other specific agreements.

Makkah Alliance and strategic defense agreement with Saudi Arabia

In explaining the differences between the "Joint Strategic Defense Agreement” between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, announced in September of last year, and the Makkah Joint Defense Alliance between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye, announced in August, Chaudhry noted that the bilateral agreement establishes a framework for defense cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

He added that it reflects the two countries' deep historical partnership and provides a structure for mutual support in the face of any aggression.

He added that under the bilateral Joint Strategic Defense Agreement, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan seek to deepen their longstanding strategic partnership, ensure mutual security, and continue practical defense cooperation to protect each country's sovereignty and vital interests.

The Makkah Joint Defense Alliance, meanwhile, is a trilateral framework bringing together Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye, establishing mechanisms for collective defense, joint readiness, and coordination, he explained.

Both are purely defensive in nature, and neither entails offensive intentions against any country, he stressed.

Chaudhry added that, looking to the future, the three countries aim to strengthen collective deterrence, deepen military integration, and consolidate regional stability.