The Arab-Islamic meeting in Riyadh calls for an end to the attacks

Foreign ministers from several prominent countries convened in Riyadh for an Arab-Islamic meeting, a crucial step aimed at unifying visions and positions regarding the escalating security challenges in the region. Representatives from Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates participated in this high-level consultative meeting. Held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, the meeting addressed the serious developments represented by the repeated attacks, with attendees emphasizing the need for a firm and unified stance to protect the national security of the region's countries.

The historical roots of the tensions and the escalation of the conflict

The recent events were not isolated incidents, but rather the culmination of a series of geopolitical tensions that have plagued the Middle East for decades. Historically, the region has suffered from persistent interference that has directly impacted the stability and sovereignty of its states. In this context, participants reviewed the repercussions of Iran's deliberate attacks using ballistic missiles and drones. These attacks targeted residential areas and vital civilian infrastructure, including oil facilities, desalination plants, airports, and diplomatic missions in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Jordan, Azerbaijan, and Turkey. The participants strongly condemned these acts, which violate international laws and norms, emphasizing that such practices cannot be justified under any circumstances or pretext.

Adherence to international law and the right to self-defense

Based on the principles of the UN Charter, specifically Article 51, the participating ministers affirmed the inherent and legitimate right of states to defend themselves and protect their territories and citizens. The statement issued at the conclusion of the meeting called on Tehran to immediately cease all forms of escalation, respect the sovereignty of neighboring states, and strictly adhere to international humanitarian law and the principles of good neighborliness. The attendees considered this step the first and essential foundation for ending the current tensions and achieving regional security and stability, while emphasizing the importance of activating the diplomatic track as the only effective means to resolve intractable crises.

Regional and international dimensions of the decisions of the Arab-Islamic meeting in Riyadh

This joint diplomatic effort carries significant regional and international weight, sending a firm message rejecting any infringement on maritime security or obstruction of international navigation, particularly in strategic waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The participants emphasized the necessity for Tehran to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817 and cease supporting, funding, and arming its affiliated militias in Arab states, which operate against those countries' interests. The success of these joint efforts would positively impact the global economy, which is highly vulnerable to any disruptions in energy supplies from the Middle East, thus making regional stability a paramount international interest.

Solidarity with Lebanon and confronting Israeli expansion

In addition to discussing other regional threats, the attendees devoted significant time to reaffirming their support for the security, stability, and territorial integrity of Lebanon. They emphasized the necessity of enforcing Lebanese sovereignty over all its national territory and supporting the Lebanese government's decisions aimed at consolidating the use of force under the control of legitimate state institutions. In a firm stance, the ministers strongly condemned the ongoing Israeli aggression against Lebanon, warning of the dangers of Israel's expansionist policies, which further complicate the security landscape in the region. The ministers concluded their meeting by reaffirming their commitment to continued close coordination and consultation to monitor developments and to take all legitimate measures to protect their countries' sovereignty and ensure their stability in the face of any aggression.