The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has issued a strong condemnation of recent Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting member states and Jordan. The council affirmed the GCC’s collective right to respond to this aggression, emphasizing the indivisible nature of its members’ security and the violation of international law.
The coordinated Iranian attacks, which targeted Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, have been described as a “nightmare scenario” for the region. While air defenses successfully intercepted a significant number of missiles and drones, some weapons penetrated, causing material damage. This saturation attack highlights structural vulnerabilities in regional air defense capabilities, despite substantial defense spending.
Despite repeated diplomatic efforts by GCC countries to de-escalate tensions and assurances that their territories would not be used for attacks against Iran, the military operations proceeded. The attacks have jolted the region, prompting high-level discussions among GCC leaders and with international partners, including the United States.
The GCC’s stance underscores a significant shift, moving beyond interception to explicitly reserving the right to retaliate. This assertion of self-defense aims to restore deterrence and safeguard national sovereignty in the face of escalating aggression. The council emphasized the critical importance of maintaining regional security for global economic stability and maritime navigation.