UNITED NATIONS: The Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on Thursday called for the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) mandate to authorise the use of force to protect the Strait of Hormuz from Iranian attacks.
Iran has closed the key shipping lane — threatening fuel supplies and buckling the global economy — after the US-Israeli strikes on the country on February 28.
“Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, prevented commercial vessels and oil tankers from transiting, and imposed conditions on some to pass through the Strait,” said GCC Secretary General Jassem al-Budaiwi.
خلال احاطته رفيعة المستوى بمجلس الأمن، معالي الأمين العام @jasemalbudaiwi : يدعو مجلس الأمن إلى اتخاذ جميع الإجراءات الكفيلة من أجل الوقف الفوري للاعتداءات الإيرانية الغادرة على دول المجلس .https://t.co/K7hKYDguLB#مجلس_التعاون #GCC#الأمم_المتحدة #UN#نيويورك #Newyork pic.twitter.com/8qAKG698dc
— مجلس التعاون (@GCCSG) April 2, 2026
He spoke in New York at the first UN Security Council meeting on cooperation with the GCC, which comprises Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman.
“We call upon the Security Council to assume its full responsibility and take all necessary measures to protect maritime routes and ensure the safe continuation of international navigation,” al-Budaiwi said.
Bahrain has proposed a draft resolution that would greenlight states to use “all necessary measures” to ensure free transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
Pakistan reaffirms support for GCC countries
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, appreciated the strategic restraint by the GCC countries in the face of “provocation and aggression”.
“Pakistan reaffirms its full support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all GCC states. It is also important to acknowledge the broader context,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar said.
“The deeply troubling events in the region, including the initiation of attacks against Iran on 28 February, have led to dangerous escalation and rising tensions,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar said.
Pakistan supports all GCC countries, appreciates restraint in Middle East war pic.twitter.com/s3QPSqPbDW
— Pakistan TV Digital (@PakistanTVcom) April 2, 2026
He said that these developments have undermined regional stability and carry serious implications for international peace and security, as well as the global economy and prosperity.
“We categorically condemn all attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. The targeting of power plants, energy facilities, educational institutions, hospitals, and other essential civilian sites is unacceptable and must cease immediately,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar said.
Around a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passes through the Strait of Hormuz in peacetime.
Its near-total closure is impacting global supplies of important commodities, including oil, liquid natural gas, and fertiliser. That has led to a sharp rise in energy prices.
