Browsing: Region
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General, Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi has condemned in the strongest terms Iran’s treacherous drone attacks against Bahrain.The Iranian regime’s continuous targeting of civilian facilities and critical infrastructure, amid ongoing international and regional efforts to consolidate peace, security, and stability in the region and resolve the crisis, underlines Iran’s desire to undermine and obstruct all such efforts, the GCC Secretary General has pointed out.Albudaiwi has underscored the GCC’s full support for all measures taken by Bahrain to enhance its security, safeguard its sovereignty, and protect its territorial integrity. Source link
Bahrain has strongly condemned the Iranian drone attack targeting its territory early Saturday, denouncing the incident as a flagrant violation of its sovereignty and a threat to the safety of its citizens and residents.In a statement, Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the attack constituted a flagrant violation of the Kingdom’s sovereignty, a blatant threat to the security of Bahraini citizens and residents, and a clear breach of international norms and conventions that prohibit attacks on civilian objects and the terrorizing of civilians.The ministry said Iran’s continued attacks, at a time when regional and international efforts are focused on de-escalation, place sole responsibility on Tehran for undermining peace efforts and reflect a policy of destabilizing regional security, exporting chaos, and undermining stability.It also referred to UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), submitted by Bahrain on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states and Jordan and backed by 136 countries, describing it as a broad expression of international consensus.The ministry said Tehran’s continued attacks constitute a direct challenge to that international consensus after it had committed, under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, to a permanent cessation of military operations and respect for the sovereignty of countries in the region.It reaffirmed Bahrain’s legitimate right to defend its sovereignty, security and stability in accordance with international law, and called on the UN Security Council to uphold its responsibilities by ensuring the implementation of its resolution and holding the aggressor accountable. Source link
Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi and his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty have discussed regional developments and diplomatic efforts to contain tensions during a telephone call.The two ministers reviewed ways to create conditions for renewed dialogue and broader political understanding, while also discussing issues of mutual interest, including the security of maritime routes and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of trade and energy through the Strait of Hormuz and other key international waterways.They also stressed the importance of continued coordination between the two countries and support for peaceful political solutions to strengthen regional security and stability. Related Story Source link
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Gulf allies Thursday that any deal with Iran would take their interests into account, as he wrapped up a Middle East trip aimed at winning over regional partners with deep reservations about the preliminary accord. Speaking at a meeting of Gulf Arab foreign ministers in Bahrain — home to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet — Rubio said Washington was seeking an enduring peace with long-time foe Iran that would not come at the expense of the security of allies in the oil-rich region, many of whom see the deal as too soft after coming under Iranian attack during the conflict. During the conflict, Iran took effective control of the vital Strait of Hormuz, heavily disrupting oil flows and rattling global energy markets and the wider economy. He told reporters that Gulf allies shared some very serious concerns and that they wanted to be informed of every step of the peace accord, which includes provisions on Hormuz. In a joint statement later Thursday, the US and the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) said a lasting peace would mean addressing Iran’s ballistic missiles, drones and support for proxy groups. They also backed “free, unconditional, and unrestricted navigation” in the Strait of Hormuz without “any tolls, fees, or attempts to assert control.” If Iran threatens or blocks ships in the strait, “then we’re going to have a problem,” Rubio said, having earlier told ministers that “no country on Earth has the right to charge for the use of international waterways” and that fees for shipping would never be part of any deal. Rubio’s three-day tour of the Gulf was the first high-level diplomatic mission since the US-Iran framework agreement last week to end the conflict, which started on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes on Iran. At his previous stops in the UAE and Kuwait, Rubio sought to assure officials that the proposed deal was not overly favorable to Iran, which struck several Gulf states during the war. “We’re not going to do anything that undermines the security of our allies, our longstanding allies in the region,” he told reporters in Kuwait. US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said Iran had agreed to nuclear inspections into “infinity,” while Tehran said it had made no such concession. The two countries, which ended a first round of negotiations in Switzerland on Monday, have also offered conflicting accounts about financial incentives for Iran, control of the Strait of Hormuz, and Israel’s parallel war in Lebanon. All six GCC nations — Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait — are strategic US allies. Iran directed drone and missile at these countries during the war, saying American bases or interests were “legitimate” targets. The GCC make up the backbone of America’s security architecture in the Middle East, and any countries rethinking their security relationship with the US could have a significant impact on US military strategy in the region. The draft US-Iran agreement includes no limits on Iran’s ballistic missiles, a proposed $300bn reconstruction fund and provisions that could expand Tehran’s regional influence and control over critical oil shipping lanes. Some US Gulf allies are privately concerned that the interim deal could open the door to US normalisation with Iran. The US and Gulf nations, in their statement, also stressed the need for continued talks on Lebanon that are “not conditional on the outcomes of other conflicts” and for non-state groups to disarm. The nations also backed continued efforts to support Syria, end the Gaza conflict and respect Kuwait’s territory. Related Story Source link
Lebanese President General Joseph Aoun praised the position issued by the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in support of Lebanon and its people in facing current challenges, considering it a reflection of the deep fraternal and historical ties that bind Lebanon to the GCC countries.A statement issued by the Lebanese Presidency explained that President Aoun appreciated the GCC countries’ emphasis on the importance of preserving Lebanon’s security, stability, and territorial integrity, and their commitment to supporting the reform process and strengthening state institutions, in order to meet the aspirations of the Lebanese people for a strong, capable, and just state.The Lebanese President also expressed his appreciation for the GCC countries’ call to extend Lebanese state sovereignty over all its territory and to confine weapons to legitimate institutions, in accordance with the Lebanese Constitution and relevant international resolutions, foremost among them UN Security Council Resolution 1701, in addition to the decisions issued by the Lebanese government in this regard.President Aoun expressed his deep gratitude for the GCC countries’ readiness to continue supporting Lebanon on both the humanitarian and developmental levels, which will contribute to alleviating the economic burdens and improving the living conditions of the Lebanese people.The Lebanese President reiterated that Lebanon will remain committed to maintaining the best possible relations with its brotherly Arab states, particularly the GCC countries, and to working to develop these relations in various fields in a way that serves common interests and strengthens stability in the region. Source link
Iran’s deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi said safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz could not be guaranteed without coordination with Iran, and that failure to coordinate could result in the suspension of any designated route.The comments posted on social media platform X on Friday came after Oman, in coordination with the International Maritime Organization, designated temporary routes for passage through the strait. Source link
US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio on Thursday affirmed the strength of the strategic partnership between his country and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, emphasising the United States' commitment to protecting the interests of its Gulf allies in all ongoing negotiations with Iran, and to continuing joint efforts to enhance regional and international security, stability, and prosperity.In his remarks during the joint ministerial meeting between the GCC states and the United States held in Manama, Rubio stated, ‘The US-Gulf relationship has proven its strength and resilience throughout the various challenges and crises the region has witnessed.’ He noted that Washington has worked alongside its Gulf partners for decades on a wide range of political, security, and economic issues.He explained that the shared goal that has always united the two sides has been to promote security, stability, and prosperity, not only for the countries of the region, but also for the United States and the international community as a whole. He noted that US-Gulf relations faced a true test during the recent developments and events in the region, but that this alliance passed the test with flying colors, demonstrating the extent of cooperation, coordination, and understanding between the two sides.Robio emphasised that his visit to the region and his participation in this meeting express gratitude and appreciation for the cooperation, support, and assistance provided by the GCC countries to the United States. He commended the joint achievements of past few years and affirmed that the two sides now stand at the beginning of a new phase, one that everyone hopes will be characterised by peace, stability, and development.He explained that the United States' vision for the region's future is based on transforming it into a center of economic prosperity and sustainable development, where the people of the region focus on building their economies and improving their living standards, rather than engaging in conflicts, arms races, or policies that lead to instability. He said that the United States looks forward to a Middle East characterised by economic growth, investment opportunities, and regional cooperation, where governments focus on achieving development for their peoples and enhancing social and economic well-being, rather than engaging in conflicts or threatening the security of other countries.Regarding the existing regional challenges, Rubio indicated that Washington recognises the obstacles and difficulties in achieving this vision. However, he believes the current phase presents an important opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue that can contribute to addressing many outstanding issues. He noted that the United States will work in cooperation and coordination with the GCC countries to capitalise on this opportunity in a way that serves the region's interests and stability.The US Secretary of State addressed the issue of relations with Iran, expressing his hope that diplomatic efforts and dialogue would yield positive results and agreements that contribute to reducing tensions and enhancing regional stability. He emphasised Washington's support for reaching diplomatic agreements and political solutions, but stressed that the US seeks not merely symbolic or temporary agreements, but genuine, effective, verifiable, and implementable ones.Regarding the Strait of Hormuz and the security of international navigation, Marco Rubio emphasised that international waterways are the common property of the international community and are not subject to the control of any single state. He considered this principle a cornerstone of the modern international order, and that freedom of navigation and international trade must remain protected in accordance with international laws and norms.He warned that any attempts to impose restrictions or fees on the use of international waterways ‘would threaten global economic stability and affect international trade and energy flows.’ He stated on this matter, ‘The United States rejects the principle of imposing fees or conditions on the use of international waterways, and this will not be acceptable in any future arrangements or understandings.’Regarding the Iranian nuclear program, Rubio reiterated his country's position against Iran possessing nuclear weapons, emphasising that any agreement reached must include clear and explicit guarantees to prevent this. He stressed that the United States insists on the necessity of effective and enforceable monitoring and verification mechanisms to ensure full compliance with any agreement and prevent any violations that could threaten regional and international security and stability.He affirmed that the interests and security of the United States' allies in the region will remain a fundamental element in all decisions and negotiations related to regional issues. He emphasised Washington's commitment to continuous consultation with its Gulf partners and to taking their interests into account at every stage of any negotiation process. The United States will not accept any arrangements or understandings that could negatively affect the security, stability, or prosperity of the GCC countries, especially since the existing strategic partnership between the two sides represents a cornerstone of US policy in the region.In closing, Marco Rubio stated that the US-Gulf partnership is not limited to defense and security cooperation, but also includes the fields of economy, investment, development, technology and energy, stressing the United States' commitment to continue strengthening this partnership and working with its Gulf allies to build a more stable and prosperous future for the region and the world. Source link
The joint ministerial meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the United States of America began today in the Bahraini capital, Manama. Source link
US President Donald Trump said Tuesday Iran had agreed to nuclear inspections into “infinity”, despite Tehran’s denials, as the UN began efforts to evacuate hundreds of ships from the Gulf in a tentative return to calm after a fragile peace deal. The UN shipping agency said an evacuation plan to enable some 11,000 seafarers stuck aboard vessels in the Gulf to sail through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran effectively blocked during the war, was underway after the ceasefire deal between Washington and Tehran. “We have now started contacting the ships to start the evacuation,” a spokesperson for the UN’s International Maritime Organization (IMO) said, without providing a timeframe, adding that the agency had secured “the necessary safety guarantees” and verified conditions for safe navigation. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said the “large-scale operation” would unfold in close cooperation with Iran, Oman, other coastal states, the US and the maritime industry. In another sign of de-escalation, Washington agreed to waive sanctions on Iran for 60 days from Monday after the first round of talks under the nascent peace deal agreed last week on ending more than three months of war. Trump also said unfrozen Iranian assets would be used to buy humanitarian supplies from the USUS Vice President JD Vance said the talks with Iranian officials in the Swiss mountain resort of Buergenstock laid a good foundation for a final accord and that Tehran had agreed to allow nuclear inspectors back into the country.Iran denied it had discussed its nuclear program at the talks, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, and said it had not agreed to invite International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors back.Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said on Tuesday Iranian officials had not held a meeting with IAEA chief Rafael Grossi in Switzerland and had no plans for the UN nuclear watchdog to inspect Iran’s damaged nuclear facilities.Trump hit back on Tuesday at what he said were Iran’s “protestations and false statements”.”Iran has fully and completely agreed to highest level Nuclear inspections long into the future (Infinity!!!),” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.He also said any Iranian assets unfrozen under the deal would be placed in an escrow account and used to buy food and medical supplies from the US “including Corn, Wheat, and Soybeans from our great American Farmers”.Iran’s ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, had earlier on Tuesday denied there had been any such agreement.The conflicting statements highlighted the uncertainty facing efforts to halt a war that has upended the Middle East.On Monday, the sides agreed on a mechanism to end fighting between US ally Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, and opened a communications line to help ensure safe passage for commercial ships through Hormuz, an energy chokepoint. In the first of several steps to provide economic relief to Iran, the US Treasury announced a waiver until August 21 on sanctions, allowing Tehran to sell oil and related products and receive payment for them.Bahreini said “good progress” had been made in the talks and that two working groups would be established in coming days to focus on the removal of sanctions and Iran’s nuclear activities.The ambassador said Lebanon was an “unquestionable” part of the interim accord between the US and Iran, and that it included the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon. .Israel and Lebanon began fresh talks in Washington Tuesday, with Beirut determined to press ahead even as the direct negotiations appear to be overshadowed by Iran’s decision to make Lebanon part of its talks with the US While tanker traffic through Hormuz started to pick up on Monday, Iran and Oman suggested there may be costs involved in using the strait, whose closure pushed up global inflation.Iran’s Fars news agency quoted a military source as saying only a limited number of vessels are currently permitted to transit Hormuz in coordination with Iranian forces, adding the number allowed through will vary daily, depending on conditions.The Iran war, which began with joint US-Israeli strikes, is now a political liability at home for Trump and his fellow Republicans in Congress as midterm elections loom in November. Opinion polls have shown public frustration over a rise in gas prices since the war began, and Trump faces pressures from Republicans who want Iran’s nuclear program shut down.Iran has limited IAEA inspections since the US and Israel launched their first airstrikes last year, and suspended them when war broke out. Iran says its nuclear program is peaceful. Related Story Source link
Vessels are anchored in the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman. REUTERS/File Picture Oman said on Tuesday it had coordinated with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to provide a temporary maritime corridor for vessels seeking to transit the Strait of Hormuz, state news agency reported.The vessels wanting to use the temporary corridor would need to coordinate with the IMO, based on coordinates announced by the organisation and Omani authorities, it added.The measure was aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation through the strategic waterway in line with international law and the law of the sea, which uphold freedom of navigation without imposing transit fees. Related Story Source link