GCC secretary general yesterday said Iran directed most of its recent attacks towards Gulf countries, warning that Tehran’s actions pose a serious threat to regional security and global economic stability.
“Iran directed more than 85 per cent of its attacks at Gulf countries,” Jasem Al Budaiwi said.
“Iran targeted hotels, embassies, water facilities and airports, striking civilian sites and resulting in civilian deaths.”
The GCC chief said that the Gulf states would not accept continued deception or attempts to justify aggression and rejected any effort to turn the Gulf countries into ‘arenas for regional score-settling’.
According to Al Budaiwi, Gulf states had offered assurances to Iran but still they were met with missile attacks.
He held Iran responsible for the escalation in the conflict, stressing that the Gulf countries had a right to self-defence under international law.
He accused Iran of systematic attacks against Gulf oil facilities, adding that attacks targeted sites near the Strait of Hormuz and hit refineries in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE and Kuwait.
He called for an immediate halt to the attacks and emphasised the need to include the Gulf states in any talks on a potential ceasefire between the US and Iran.
Al Budaiwi also condemned Iran’s reported imposition of transit fees in the strait, calling it a breach of international law.
He stressed that global regulations prohibit any disruption to navigation in international straits and that no country has the right to impose such restrictions.
The GCC secretary general emphasised that Gulf states have made it clear that they are not part of the ongoing conflict and had made extensive efforts to prevent escalation.
His remarks come amid heightened tensions in the region, raising concerns over the security of vital shipping routes and the stability of global energy markets.
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