GCC Foreign Ministers: Saudi-Iranian Agreement Helps Resolve Region’s Differences through Dialogue

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) foreign ministers held the 155th ministerial meeting on Wednesday at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the GCC in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) foreign ministers held the 155th ministerial meeting on Wednesday at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the GCC in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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GCC Foreign Ministers: Saudi-Iranian Agreement Helps Resolve Region’s Differences through Dialogue

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) foreign ministers held the 155th ministerial meeting on Wednesday at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the GCC in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) foreign ministers held the 155th ministerial meeting on Wednesday at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the GCC in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) foreign ministers have welcomed the Saudi-Iran agreement sponsored by China. They said the agreement, which stipulates resuming diplomatic relations, represents a positive step to resolving regional disputes via dialogue.

Chaired by Sayyed Badr Al-Busaidi, Oman’s minister of foreign affairs, the 155th meeting of GCC foreign ministers on Wednesday in Riyadh discussed ways to strengthen regional security and stability.

“The agreement represents an important step in the context of our common goals in the GCC countries to strengthen the pillars of security, stability and good neighborliness,” said Al-Busaidi.

He expressed his hope for the agreement ushering in a new phase of cooperation that is based on mutual trust and respect.

Al-Busaidi pointed out that the current GCC ministerial meeting is taking place amid regional, Arab, and international developments.

“Today, more than ever, there is a need to reinforce joint Gulf action,” said Al-Busaidi, adding that this comes at a time that the international community, in all its forms, is intensively looking to bolster ties with the GCC.

At the meeting, the foreign ministers also stated that the agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran is a step towards establishing relations between countries based on understanding, mutual respect, good neighborliness, respect for sovereignty, and non-interference in internal affairs.

They also highlighted that the agreement aligns with the charters of the UN and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and international laws and norms.

The top GCC diplomats also condemned the continued foreign support for terrorist groups and sectarian militias in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and others, stressing that they threaten Arab national security, destabilize the region, and impede the work of the international coalition to combat ISIS.

The council also stressed the importance of Iran’s commitment not to exceed the rate of uranium enrichment required for peaceful uses.

It also affirmed the need for preserving maritime security in the region, and addressing anything that might threaten shipping lines, international trade, and oil installations in GCC states.

As for Yemen, the council affirmed its full support for the Presidential Leadership Council.

The foreign ministers also called on the Houthis to respond to the invitation made by the Presidential Leadership Council, to negotiate under the supervision of the UN to reach a political solution.

Moreover, the council reaffirmed its firm positions towards preserving the territorial integrity of Syria and respecting its independence and sovereignty over its lands.

It rejected regional interference in Syria’s internal affairs and said it supported a political solution to the crisis in accordance with UN resolutions, including Security Council Resolution No. 2254.



Gulf Cooperation Council Condemns Israeli Strike on Iran, Calls for Diplomacy

Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, during the extraordinary meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council held via video conference (GCC). 
Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, during the extraordinary meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council held via video conference (GCC). 
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Gulf Cooperation Council Condemns Israeli Strike on Iran, Calls for Diplomacy

Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, during the extraordinary meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council held via video conference (GCC). 
Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, during the extraordinary meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council held via video conference (GCC). 

In an extraordinary virtual session held Sunday, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) strongly condemned Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iran, denouncing them as a violation of Iranian sovereignty and a blatant breach of international law and the UN Charter. The council urged an immediate return to diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the growing regional tensions.

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi described the current escalation as “unprecedented,” pointing to the Israeli military strikes on Iranian territory and Tehran’s subsequent retaliatory actions.

“These developments have sharply heightened tensions in the region,” he said, warning that they “open the door to uncertain and troubling scenarios.”

Albudaiwi revealed that in light of the unfolding crisis, the GCC Emergency Management Center had been activated to monitor and respond to potential consequences, particularly those involving Iran’s nuclear facilities.

“We acted swiftly and responsibly in recognition of the gravity of the situation,” he said, citing the danger of strikes on nuclear infrastructure and the potential for serious environmental and technical fallout.

Among the chief concerns raised during the meeting were the regional consequences of a broader escalation - especially any damage to nuclear sites - and the far-reaching impacts this could have on the environment, regional infrastructure, and the economic stability of Gulf states. The GCC also highlighted the risks to global supply chains, energy markets, and the security of key maritime corridors.

In a statement, the council emphasized that “until now, all technical indicators remain within safe limits,” adding that there is no immediate cause for alarm. Nonetheless, member states remain on high alert. “Full readiness and constant vigilance are essential in facing this volatile situation,” said Albudaiwi.

He also reaffirmed the council’s foundational values of unity, collective security, and regional stability. “The GCC was established on the principles of solidarity and joint action,” he said. “We continue to believe that stability is essential for the prosperity and well-being of our peoples.”

Albudaiwi reiterated the GCC’s longstanding commitment to conflict prevention, dialogue facilitation, and the avoidance of military escalation.

“We renew our call to all nations and actors to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from further military action,” he said. “The region stands at the edge of a wider conflict that could spiral out of control, with consequences no one can predict or manage.”