GCC Ministers Emphasise Unified Gulf Position And Vital Gulf Media Role

The Gulf Cooperation Council underlined a united stance after an extraordinary meeting of GCC Ministers of Information, held by videoconference, condemned recent Iranian attacks on GCC states as a serious threat to regional stability, and highlighted the need for coordinated Gulf media efforts to counter misinformation and explain GCC positions to regional and international audiences.

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Albudaiwi said the collective Gulf position remains a main source of strength for GCC countries, adding that the extraordinary ministerial meeting shows shared awareness among information ministers of how important Gulf media work is during this sensitive period for the region.

Albudaiwi explained that the meeting is held amid what was described as aggressive Iranian military escalation targeting GCC states, calling this escalation a clear breach of their sovereignty and a direct danger to their security, stability, and the safety of their peoples, and stressing that such circumstances demand a firm and unified response at every level.

The Secretary General stated that Gulf media carries a central responsibility at this stage, saying it is required more than ever to support public awareness, help build trust between societies and official institutions, and back the efforts of GCC leaders who work to maintain security and stability across the region despite external threats.

Albudaiwi stressed the need to mobilise and coordinate all available Gulf media capabilities, urging the presentation of a professional and responsible media discourse that accurately reflects the positions of GCC states, protects them from distortion, and counters organised attempts at spreading misinformation about GCC policies and responses to the recent escalation.

The Secretary General noted that under such security pressures, the role of the media extends beyond relaying developments, adding that Gulf media should act as a first defensive line against disinformation campaigns, challenge misleading narratives, and present verified facts in a way that shows the fairness of GCC positions and their continued adherence to international law.

GCC media priorities and future mechanisms

He underlined that this communication effort needs to highlight the GCC commitment to respecting state sovereignty, supporting good-neighbourly relations, and upholding the principles of international law, so that regional and global public opinion can understand both the nature of the threats facing GCC states and the legal basis for their responses.

Albudaiwi expressed hope that the extraordinary meeting would agree on a shared vision and framework for strengthening joint Gulf media work, including practical tools to confront misleading media campaigns, and better use of traditional outlets and digital platforms to deliver the voice of GCC states clearly and credibly to audiences worldwide.

GCC information ministers, who took part under the chairmanship of Bahrain’s Minister of Information Dr. Ramzan bin Abdullah Al Noaimi as the current session’s chair, issued a strong condemnation of what they described as criminal Iranian attacks against GCC states and dangerous assaults on civilian sites, vital facilities, infrastructure, residential districts, and private property.

The ministers said these attacks represent a grave and clear violation of international law, international humanitarian law, and the Charter of the United Nations, warning that such actions pose a direct threat to regional security and stability and endanger the safety of populations in GCC states, which continue to seek stability despite regional tensions.

The ministers affirmed that GCC states retain their legal right to respond in line with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which recognises the right of individual and collective self-defence in cases of armed aggression, and underlined that they will take every necessary measure to protect their sovereignty, security, and stability.

They voiced deep pride and appreciation for the armed forces of GCC states for defending their countries’ security, preserving sovereignty, and confronting aggression, while also praising the important role of security agencies and competent authorities in applying measures that support the security system, protect citizens and residents, and safeguard vital facilities and infrastructure across the region.

With inputs from SPA