Morocco stands in solidarity with the Gulf states and Jordan against Iranian aggression
The Kingdom of Morocco strongly condemned the attacks targeting the security and sovereignty of several sister Arab states, affirming its absolute solidarity with and support for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. In an official statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Living Abroad, Rabat described these acts as a “flagrant violation” of the national sovereignty of these countries and an “unacceptable infringement” on their security, emphasizing that they constitute a direct threat to the stability of the entire region.
The statement affirmed Morocco's full support for all legitimate measures taken by these countries to defend their territorial integrity and protect the security of their citizens and residents. This firm Moroccan stance, taken amidst escalating regional tensions, reflects the deep fraternal and historical ties that bind Morocco to its brothers in the Arabian Gulf and the Levant, and its commitment to the principle of shared Arab security.
A tense regional context and historical background
This situation cannot be separated from the complex geopolitical context of the Middle East. Relations between Iran and several Arab states, particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, have been strained for decades, fueled by political and sectarian differences and competition for regional influence. These tensions have manifested in several crises, most notably interference in the internal affairs of other countries and support for armed groups and their proxies in countries such as Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq. Attacks targeting vital infrastructure and commercial vessels in the Gulf, such as the 2019 attacks on Saudi Aramco oil facilities, represent significant turning points that led to a dangerous escalation and prompted international action to contain the situation.
The importance and impact of the Moroccan position
Morocco's position carries significant diplomatic and political weight. Despite its geographical distance, Morocco is an influential player in the Arab and Islamic world, and its stance strengthens Arab consensus in the face of external threats. Morocco also has historically strained relations with Iran, having severed diplomatic ties with Tehran in 2018, accusing it of supporting the Polisario Front separatist movement through its Lebanese proxy, Hezbollah—a move Rabat considers an infringement on its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Therefore, Morocco's solidarity with the affected Arab states stems not only from the principle of Arab brotherhood but also aligns with its perception of the sources of threats to its national and regional security.
Internationally, this stance underscores the need to respect international law, the principles of good neighborliness, and non-interference in the internal affairs of states. It also supports efforts to encourage the international community, including the UN Security Council, to uphold its responsibilities in maintaining international peace and security and deterring actions that could destabilize a region vital to global energy and the economy.
