Ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) stressed during an extraordinary virtual meeting yesterday the urgent need to halt the Israeli-Iranian conflict to prevent a dangerous escalation that could lead to an unpredictable and uncontrollable wider war.
In a statement following the meeting, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Bedewi emphasized that the Council was founded on principles of solidarity and collective action. He reiterated the importance of stability for the security and interests of its people and expressed ongoing commitment to de-escalation, dialogue, and preventing any conflict that could threaten the stability of the Gulf region and the world. He once again called upon all nations and parties to exercise restraint and refrain from military actions to avoid an alarming slide into a broader, unmanageable confrontation.
Al-Bedewi also highlighted several repercussions and challenges that the GCC countries might face due to these escalating developments. These include potential impacts on nuclear facilities, which could have serious implications for regional environmental conditions, vital infrastructure, as well as economic factors such as disrupted supply chains and threats to energy and trade routes.
Critical Circumstances
He added that “under these critical circumstances, with possible severe technical and environmental consequences following any targeting of nuclear facilities, we affirm that the Gulf states have activated the GCC Emergency Management Center in a timely response, demonstrating a keen awareness of the current situation’s gravity. This includes implementing all necessary precautionary measures across environmental and radiological levels, closely monitoring technical indicators, and fully coordinating with the relevant authorities in member states. Reports will be issued as soon as they are available, and initial statements have already been released to the media.”
He noted that “as of now, technical indicators remain within safe limits, and there is nothing alarming detected, while remaining in a state of full readiness to ensure the highest levels of preparedness and continuous vigilance required by the situation.”
Return to Negotiations
Al-Bedewi confirmed that the GCC nations are closely monitoring the military escalation between Israel and Iran. He stated that all member states condemned the recent Israeli attack on Iran, considering it a serious escalation that threatens regional security and stability, as reported by Al Arabiya.
He mentioned that the GCC General Secretariat convened an extraordinary meeting to assess the implications of the attack, emphasizing the necessity of stopping hostilities between Israel and Iran.
He also stressed the importance of resuming nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington, viewing it as the most effective approach to avoid further tensions and broader confrontations.
The GCC Secretary-General voiced the Council’s condemnation and disapproval of the Israeli attacks on Iran, highlighting them as clear violations of international law and the United Nations Charter.