Urgent: Gulf-British statement: Condemning any Iranian threats to close or obstruct navigation in the Strait of Hormuz

A joint statement issued following a meeting of the foreign ministers of the Cooperation Council (GCC) and the United Kingdom condemned any Iranian threats to close or obstruct navigation inthe Strait of Hormuz.
The statement noted that Their Highnesses, Excellencies, and Highnesses the Foreign Ministers of the GCC and the UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development held an extraordinary meeting on March 12, 2026, to discuss developments in the Middle East and the escalating tensions there, including the blatant aggression perpetrated by Iran and its regional proxies against the GCC states and Jordan.

Strategic partnership

The GCC delegation was headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Dr. Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani, who also serves as the current chair of the GCC Ministerial Council. The UK delegation was headed by the Minister of Foreign, Commonwealth and Development, Yvette Cooper. The meeting was also attended by Their Excellencies the Foreign Ministers of the GCC member states and His Excellency the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi.
The ministers emphasized the paramount importance of the strategic partnership between the two sides, which was announced at the GCC-UK Summit held in Bahrain in November 2016. They also welcomed the progress made in the negotiations for a free trade agreement between the two sides and expressed their hope for its conclusion as soon as possible.
The ministers welcomed the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), which condemned in the strongest terms the Iranian attacks targeting the territories of GCC member states and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, in violation of international law and as a threat to international peace and security.

Iran targeting residential areas

They also noted that the resolution condemned Iran’s targeting of residential areas and civilian infrastructure, including oil and service facilities and residential neighborhoods, which resulted in civilian casualties and damage to civilian buildings.
The Ministerial Council noted the unprecedented level of international solidarity with the GCC states and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, demonstrated by the support of 136 UN member states for Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026).
It stressed the demand that Iran immediately cease all attacks and refrain unconditionally from any provocative actions or threats against neighboring countries, including the use of proxies in the region. The Council expressed its gratitude to the United Kingdom for its solidarity with the GCC states and its firm and continued commitment to their security, stability, and territorial integrity.

Protecting civilians

The ministers affirmed their commitment to regional stability and called for the protection of civilians, full respect for international law and international humanitarian law, adherence to the obligations of UN member states, and commitment to the principles of the UN Charter.
They reiterated their continued urging of Iran to curb its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and to refrain from activities that could destabilize the region, including the use of proxies and interference in the internal affairs of states.
The ministers highlighted the intensive diplomatic efforts undertaken by the GCC states prior to the attacks and their commitment that their territories would not be used to launch attacks against Iran.

Commitment to dialogue and diplomacy

The ministers reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as the means to resolve the crisis, commending the constructive role played by the Sultanate of Oman in this regard and emphasizing the need to restore regional stability and security.
They recalled the inherent right of the GCC states, in accordance with Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, to defend themselves individually and collectively against armed attacks launched by Iran, as stipulated in Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026).
They affirmed the right of the GCC states to take all necessary measures to defend their security and stability, protect their territories, and ensure the safety of their citizens and residents. The ministers also recalled the responsibility of the Security Council to maintain international peace and security.

Continuing diplomatic efforts

The ministers agreed to continue joint diplomatic efforts to reach a sustainable solution that ensures Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons, halts the development and proliferation of ballistic missiles, drones, and other technologies that threaten the security of the region and beyond, and refrains from any activities that could destabilize the region and beyond.
The ministers emphasized the importance of protecting regional airspace, maritime routes, and freedom of navigation, as well as ensuring the safety and security of supply chains, shipping operations, and seafarers, and the stability of global energy markets.
They noted that Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026) condemned any Iranian actions or threats aimed at closing or obstructing international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz or threatening maritime security in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Security and stability of the Gulf region

The ministers stressed that the security and stability of the Gulf region are fundamental pillars of global economic stability and are closely linked to the security of the United Kingdom and international security.
They noted the significant contributions made by the United Kingdom to supporting the region's security and expressed their appreciation for the UK's recent decision to enhance defense capabilities in the region, including through the participation of Royal Air Force Typhoon aircraft in defense operations.
The United Kingdom expressed its sincere gratitude to the GCC countries for their hospitality and assistance to British citizens residing in their territories.