Key Points
- Attacks targeted multiple sovereign territories, endangering civilians and infrastructure
- Joint statement reaffirms right to self-defence and commitment to regional security
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and six regional countries on Monday reiterated their right to self-defence in response to the Iranian attacks following the US and Israeli strikes on Iran that killed the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
In a joint statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) , the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and the United States denounced the indiscriminate and reckless strikes by Iran.
The attacks targeted Bahrain, Iraq — including the Iraqi Kurdistan Region — Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
The statement said the strikes were unjustified and constituted a violation of the sovereignty of multiple states. It noted that the attacks endangered civilian populations and damaged civilian infrastructure across the region.
The participating countries described the targeting of civilians and states not engaged in hostilities as reckless and destabilising behaviour. They termed Iran’s actions a dangerous escalation that undermines regional peace and security.
The joint statement reaffirmed unity among the signatories in defending their citizens, sovereignty and territorial integrity. It also reiterated their right to self-defence in response to the attacks.
The countries expressed commitment to maintaining regional security and commended what they described as effective air and missile defence cooperation that prevented greater loss of life and destruction.
Meanwhile, Australia has also condemned Iran’s attacks on sites in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Iraq while expressing its solidarity with the countries of the region.
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Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said today: “Australia condemns Iran’s reckless attacks, including against civilians and civilian infrastructure,” adding that she is in contact with her counterparts in the region to express Australia’s solidarity and support.
Earlier on Sunday, Saudi Foreign Minister virtually participated in the 50th Extraordinary Meeting of the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with the participation of GCC foreign ministers, to discuss developments related to Iran’s blatant attacks against GCC countries.
The United States carried out strikes on hundreds of sites across Iran, while Israel widened its air campaign into Lebanon on Monday, as President Donald Trump pledged to retaliate for American casualties in the conflict aimed at removing Tehran’s leadership.
