Arab and Islamic foreign ministers have called on Iran to immediately cease its attacks, while affirming the right of states to defend themselves under international law.
In a joint statement issued on Thursday after a consultative meeting in Riyadh , the ministers strongly condemned what they described as deliberate Iranian strikes using ballistic missiles and drones targeting civilian areas and critical infrastructure across the region.
The meeting brought together representatives from Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Lebanon, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Syria.
Participants said the attacks targeted Gulf countries as well as Jordan, Azerbaijan, and Turkey, striking residential areas, oil facilities, desalination plants, airports, and diplomatic premises. They stressed that such actions “could not be justified under any pretext or in any manner whatsoever.”
The ministers emphasized that states have the right to defend themselves in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.
They added that the future of relations with Tehran would depend on its respect for sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs, as well as refraining from using or developing military capabilities to threaten regional countries.
Ministers further urged Iran to end its support, financing, and arming of affiliated militias operating in Arab countries, warning that such actions undermine regional stability.
They also cautioned against any attempt to disrupt international navigation, including in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab Strait, stressing the importance of safeguarding maritime security.