MANAMA: Gulf foreign ministers said on Thursday that addressing Iran’s missile programme and its regional network of allies would be essential to achieving lasting peace, adding that any future trade and investment ties with Tehran would remain reversible and dependent on Iran’s commitment to its agreement with the United States.
“The Ministers welcomed the June 17 memorandum of understanding (MOU) signing between the United States and Iran and recognised the important mediation roles played by Pakistan and Qatar,” said a joint statement.
The Ministerial Meeting between the United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was held in Manama, co-chaired by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Bahraini Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The Ministers stressed the need to maintain momentum and unity as negotiations proceed toward a more permanent end to hostilities and the shared objective of preventing Iran from ever developing or otherwise acquiring a nuclear weapon.
“The Ministers further emphasised that lasting regional peace and security requires addressing the full spectrum of Iran’s threats, including its ballistic missiles, drones, and support of proxies in the region,” the joint statement said.
Reopening of Strait of Hormuz
They emphasised the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, noting that free, unconditional, and unrestricted navigation, including the right of transit passage as guaranteed under international law, remains essential to regional and global security.
“The Ministers rejected any tolls, fees, or attempts to assert control over the Strait, and welcomed the Sultanate of Oman and International Maritime Organisation’s announcement on the launch of an evacuation plan for over 11,000 seafarers stranded in the region,” the statement said.
They added that any trade and investment with Iran is conditional and reversible, contingent on Iran’s compliance with the MOU and the final deal, cessation of its destabilising behaviour, and creation of the conditions necessary for economic engagement.
Syria, Lebanon’s sovereignty, unity
The Ministers also expressed support for the Syrian people in building a stable, peaceful, inclusive and sovereign country fully integrated into the region and reaffirmed their commitment to Syria’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
They offered their full commitment to Lebanon’s sovereignty, security, stability, and territorial integrity.
“To that end, they welcomed ongoing bilateral negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, facilitated by the United States, aimed at creating the conditions for a lasting peace and security agreement between the countries,” the statement said.
President Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to end Gaza war
The Ministers expressed their support for President Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, endorsed in UN Security Council resolution 2803.
They stressed the importance of the demilitarization of all non-state armed groups to enable Gaza’s reconstruction and the need to hand over responsibility to an independent, technocratic civil Palestinian committee.
“They commended President Trump’s statement that the United States opposes annexation of the West Bank and underscored that progress on Gaza redevelopment and Palestinian Authority reforms will create the conditions for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood. The Ministers further reaffirmed that no one will be forced to leave Gaza, and those who wish to leave will be free to return,” according to the joint statement.
Attacks by ‘Iranian proxies’
The Gulf Ministers condemned attacks by ‘Iranian proxies’ in Iraq against GCC countries, including drone attacks damaging civilian facilities, critical infrastructure, and energy security.
“They reiterated their support for Iraq’s new government’s efforts to restrict weapons to state control and prevent non-state armed groups from using Iraqi territory to threaten neighboring countries,” the statement said.
The Ministers stressed the importance of the Government of Iraq taking all necessary measures to ensure the security and safety of all diplomatic missions in Iraq, and to protect them from any threats or attacks, in accordance with Iraq’s relevant international obligations.
