Gulf States Condemn Iran After Missile and Tanker Attacks

Regional governments and international bodies issued a series of condemnations against Iran following missile and drone attacks targeting Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Jordan. The aggression included strikes on Kuwaiti border posts, a Kuwait Oil Company drilling platform, and the Kuwaiti consulate in Basra. In the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian forces attacked two Emirati oil tankers, resulting in one death and multiple injuries.

These escalations followed a U.S. Central Command operation that struck approximately 140 targets in Iran in response to an initial Iranian attack on a commercial vessel. Iran retaliated by targeting U.S. military sites in countries including Oman. The regional tension coincides with the burial of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi and Speaker of the Arab Parliament Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Yamahi denounced the strikes as blatant violations of international law and the UN Charter. Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chaired a Cabinet session in Jeddah to reject the destabilizing behavior and briefed officials on security discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Diplomatic efforts to contain the crisis included talks between Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein. Iraq committed to ensuring its territory and airspace are not used to launch attacks against Saudi Arabia or other GCC member states.