GCC and Arab League Condemn Iranian Missile and Tanker Attacks

The Government of Iran launched a series of missile and drone attacks targeting Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, while simultaneously striking the Saudi tanker Wadiyan and the Qatari tanker Al-Rukayyat in the Strait of Hormuz. Bahrain and Kuwait confirmed they intercepted and repelled the aerial assaults. Additionally, the Arab League criticized Iran for landing an aircraft at Sanaa International Airport in Yemen without coordinating with the internationally recognized government.

In response, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Arab League, and the Muslim World League condemned the strikes as violations of state sovereignty and international law. The GCC specifically cited breaches of UN Security Council Resolution 2817 and a ceasefire memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Asserting that the security of member states is indivisible, the GCC declared that any attack on one member is a direct attack on all, invoking the right to collective self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

International reactions included condemnation from Britain, with Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer calling the strikes on civilian vessels and Gulf partners unacceptable. The GCC has called upon the UN Security Council to ensure the unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the cessation of hostilities to protect international navigation and global energy supplies.