Gulf States Condemn Iran's Attacks, Weigh Response Amid Regional Tensions

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states have strongly condemned Iran's recent attacks and are considering possible responses, as regional tensions escalate.

In response to the escalating situation, the United Arab Emirates announced the closure of its embassy in Tehran, withdrawing its ambassador and all diplomatic staff, while strongly condemning the Iranian missile attacks.

The GCC foreign ministers convened an emergency meeting via video conference to address the developments surrounding what they described as Iranian aggression against member states and its implications for regional security and stability.

The ministers reiterated their strong condemnation of the unjustified attacks by Iran against GCC countries, emphasizing the right of member states to take all necessary measures and utilize all capabilities to protect their security and stability, including the option of responding to the aggression.

The council affirmed that the security of its member states is indivisible and that any attack on one member is a direct attack on all GCC countries.

According to available figures, more than 370 ballistic missiles and over 1,000 drones have been launched by Iran towards Gulf countries since the recent escalation of hostilities.

Separately, Oman's state news agency reported that the Duqm commercial port was attacked by two drones, resulting in injuries to a foreign worker. The report added that the wreckage of another drone was found near fuel tanks, but no injuries or material damage were reported.

Amidst these developments, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a series of international calls, including one from the U.S. President, who condemned the missile attacks targeting the Kingdom and affirmed Washington's full support for Riyadh, praising the efficiency of Saudi air defense systems in countering the attacks.

The Saudi Crown Prince also received calls from the leaders of Algeria, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Oman, Greece and Sudan, as part of intensive regional and international consultations to contain the escalation.