London: The Gulf Cooperation Council and United Kingdom foreign ministers issued a joint statement following their extraordinary meeting on 12 March 2026 to discuss the escalating tensions in the Middle East, focusing on Iran's aggressive actions against GCC countries and Jordan.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the GCC delegation was led by Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Bahrain's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the current GCC Ministerial Council session. The UK was represented by Yvette Cooper MP, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs. The meeting included participation from GCC Member State foreign ministers and Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, GCC Secretary-General.
The ministers emphasized the importance of their strategic partnership, rooted in the GCC-UK Summit of November 2016 in Bahrain. They acknowledged progress in the GCC-UK Free Trade Agreement negotiations and expressed eagerness to finalize the agreement promptly.
The ministers also welcomed the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), which strongly condemned Iran's attacks on GCC countries and Jordan as violations of international law. The resolution criticized Iran's targeting of civilian infrastructure and residential areas, resulting in casualties and damage.
The Ministerial Council highlighted the international solidarity shown by 136 UN members who co-sponsored the resolution, demanding Iran cease its attacks and provocations. The ministers expressed gratitude to the UK for its steadfast support for GCC security and stability.
Reaffirming their commitment to regional stability, the ministers called for civilian protection and adherence to international law. They urged Iran to halt its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and cease destabilizing activities in the region.
The ministers underscored diplomatic efforts by GCC states before the attacks, committing to ensuring their territories are not used for offensive actions against Iran. They emphasized dialogue and diplomacy for resolving the crisis and restoring regional stability.
Reiterating the GCC countries' right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, the ministers affirmed their readiness to take necessary measures to protect their territories and people. They called on the UN Security Council to uphold international peace and security.
The ministers agreed to joint diplomatic efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and to halt the proliferation of ballistic missiles and drones. They stressed the importance of safeguarding regional airspace, maritime routes, and global energy market stability, condemning any Iranian threats to international navigation.
Recognizing the Gulf region's role in global economic stability, the ministers acknowledged the UK's contributions to regional security and appreciated the deployment of RAF Typhoon jets to enhance defensive capabilities.