Washington: Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, delivered a statement before the Development Committee on behalf of the Arab Group countries and the Maldives, represented by the Kingdom of Bahrain, during his participation in the 2026 Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group, held in Washington.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the Minister reported that for 40 days and 40 nights, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan had endured a relentless series of attacks. The Islamic Republic of Iran launched over 5,000 ballistic missiles and drones, with more than 1,000 striking in the first 24 hours alone. These assaults targeted civilians and critical infrastructure, such as educational institutions, commercial buildings, and power stations.
The Minister highlighted the human and material toll of these attacks, which resulted in casualties and widespread damage. Despite the devastation, the affected nations remained resilient, with their armed forces and civilians demonstrating unwavering determination against the aggression. Shaikh Salman expressed gratitude to regional partners, the United States, and international allies for their support, as well as the international community for adopting United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817.
The Minister described Iran's attempts to disrupt navigation in the Strait of Hormuz as economic terrorism, given its crucial role in global supply chains. With over 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas and significant portions of aluminium and fertiliser exports passing through the Strait, he called for a unified international response to this threat, which he likened to the greatest disruption since the Second World War.
Additionally, Shaikh Salman underscored the need for a permanent ceasefire in Lebanon and enhanced humanitarian support for the Gaza Strip. He emphasized the global struggle between forces of peace and prosperity and those seeking regression, urging the World Bank and international community to offer their support for a brighter future.