GCC-EU Ministers Condemn Iranian Attacks On GCC States And Call For De-Escalation

The foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union held an extraordinary meeting on 5 March 2026, focusing on the rapid escalation in the Middle East and Iran’s recent attacks on GCC countries. The gathering strongly condemned these actions and urged Iran to halt all attacks, citing threats to regional and global security.

The ministers also stressed the need to protect civilians and demanded full respect for international law, including international humanitarian law and the United Nations Charter. The European Union reaffirmed solidarity with GCC states, while all participants restated their commitment to regional stability and a rules-based international order grounded in agreed principles.

Both sides underlined the importance of their long-standing strategic partnership, created by the 1988 Cooperation Agreement and renewed at the EU-GCC Brussels Summit in October 2024. They noted that the partnership supports coordinated responses on security, economic stability and political dialogue, which they view as essential when confronting current regional crises.

The GCC delegation was led by Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain and Chairman of the current session of the GCC Ministerial Council Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani. GCC Secretary-General Jassim Albudaiwi and the foreign ministers of GCC Member Countries attended. The European side was headed by Kaja Kallas, with Dubravka Šuica and the foreign ministers of EU Member States participating.

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The ministers examined in detail the serious damage caused by the recent indiscriminate Iranian attacks on GCC member states. They reported that civilian infrastructure, including oil facilities, service installations and residential areas, had been struck. These actions resulted in material losses and created direct risks to the safety, security and lives of civilians across the region.

The meeting emphasised that GCC countries hold an inherent right to self-defence, in line with Article 51 of the UN Charter. The ministers stated that GCC states may take all necessary measures to safeguard their security and stability, protect territories, citizens and residents, and work to restore international peace and security. They also recalled the UN Security Council’s responsibility for maintaining global peace.

Participants highlighted extensive diplomatic efforts by the European Union, its Member States and the GCC member states before the attacks. These efforts aimed to reduce tensions and prevent escalation. GCC countries reiterated that their territories would not be used to launch attacks against Iran, while the ministers praised the constructive diplomatic role played by Oman in seeking de-escalation.

The ministers agreed to continue joint diplomatic work to stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. They called for an end to the production and spread of ballistic missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and any technologies that could threaten security in the region and beyond. They further urged Iran to halt destabilising activities in the region and in Europe, and emphasised the need for conditions that allow the Iranian people to decide their own future.

GCC and European Union maritime security and regional security

The ministers underlined the importance of protecting regional airspace, maritime routes and freedom of navigation, especially in critical corridors such as the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb. They agreed that secure supply chains and stable global energy markets depend on safe sea lanes and air routes, which remain central to both regional and international security planning.

The meeting recognised the role of EU maritime defensive operation ASPIDES and operation ATALANTA in protecting key waterways and limiting disruption to global trade routes. The ministers encouraged stronger coordination in support of these operations, noting that maritime and air security, energy security and nuclear safety are closely linked and require sustained cooperation between the GCC and the European Union.

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The European Union expressed thanks to GCC member states for the hospitality and assistance given to nationals from EU countries residing or present in their territories. The European Union and its Member States confirmed that they will keep working, in close cooperation with GCC partners, to ensure the safe departure of their citizens whenever necessary and under evolving security conditions.

With inputs from SPA