RIYADH: In a unified stance following a consultative ministerial meeting in Riyadh, foreign ministers from key Arab and Islamic nations have called on Iran to immediately cease its attacks on regional states.
The statement came shortly after Arab states including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE warned Iran of their rights to respond to militarily to, what they called, Iranian aggression.
The gathering, hosted by Saudi Arabia, included representatives from Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates.
In a joint statement, the ministers condemned Iran’s use of ballistic missiles and drones against civilian infrastructure — including oil facilities, airports, and diplomatic premises — describing the strikes as “deliberate” and “unjustifiable under any circumstances.”
They affirmed the right of nations to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter and urged Iran to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), cease all hostilities, and respect maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb.
The statement also reiterated support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and condemned Israeli attacks in the region, while emphasizing that future relations with Iran hinge on respect for state sovereignty and non-interference.
The ministers pledged continued coordination to safeguard regional security amid escalating tensions following the U.S.-Israeli offensive on Iran in late February.
