Gulf Cooperation Council condemns Iran

International reactions against the Tehran administration continue following the latest clashes between the US and Iran. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has accused Iran of carrying out attacks on commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

GCC countries condemned the attacks reported to have been carried out against the Saudi Arabian oil tanker "Widian" and the Qatari oil tanker "Al-Rukayat" during their passage through the Strait of Hormuz, noting that these actions endangered the crews of both tankers.

The statement described these as an "unacceptable attack" on international maritime transport and the security of the global energy supply.

Attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait condemned

Furthermore, ballistic missile attacks carried out by Iran against Bahrain and Kuwait were also condemned, with the statement emphasizing that these violated the provisions of international law and United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 2817, which guarantees freedom of navigation in maritime routes.

GCC countries stated that these attacks have continued despite the ceasefire provided under the memorandum of understanding signed between the US and Iran and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Iran of engaging in actions that threaten regional stability.

"An attack on any member is an attack on all member states"

The statement emphasized that GCC countries are in "full solidarity and a unified stance" against the attacks, stating that the security of member states is indivisible. It was noted that an attack on any GCC country would be considered an attack on all member states. The GCC also declared that member states have the right to collective self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, and reserved their right to take all necessary steps to protect their sovereignty, security, and stability.

The statement held Iran "fully responsible" for the aforementioned attacks and their consequences, while calling on the international community, and specifically the United Nations Security Council, to condemn the attacks. The GCC demanded that necessary steps be taken to protect safe passage and freedom of navigation in international waters.

Opposition to transit fee implementation in the Strait of Hormuz

The statement expressed opposition to any restrictions, transit fees, or service charges on passage through the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that keeping the strait open in accordance with international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea is critical for energy security, the supply of food and medicine, and global trade.

The GCC called on Iran to fully comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817 and the memorandum of understanding signed between the US and Iran, stating that these steps would contribute to strengthening regional and global security and stability.

News Source: 12punto