At a Glance

• Gulf foreign ministers called for designating the Houthi group as a terrorist organization.
• The GCC demanded that Iran stop attacks on regional countries and compensate for damages.
• Ministers called for Gulf states to participate in negotiations affecting their security.
• The council stressed protecting maritime navigation through key regional waterways.

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Foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) called for designating the Houthi group as a terrorist organization and ending support that enables it to acquire missiles and drones, while demanding that Iran cease attacks on regional countries and compensate for resulting damage.

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Key Statements and Focus Area

• Houthi group: The ministers called for designating the Houthis as a terrorist organization, halting support for their acquisition of missiles and drones, and strictly enforcing the arms embargo against the group. — GCC Ministerial Council
• Iran: The council held Tehran responsible for attacks on Gulf states and Jordan, demanded accountability for those responsible, and called for compensation for the resulting damage. — GCC Ministerial Council
• Regional security: The ministers said any arrangements with Iran must address its nuclear and missile programs, drones, and support for regional groups, while insisting that Gulf states be included in negotiations affecting their security. — GCC Ministerial Council

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GCC Backs Saudi Arabia Against Houthi Attacks

The council condemned continued Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, including strikes targeting the Two Holy Mosques, civilian airports, and vital infrastructure that resulted in civilian casualties.

Ministers expressed condolences to the families of those killed and wished the injured a speedy recovery. They reaffirmed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and supported measures taken by the kingdom to protect its security and sovereignty.

The council said an attack on any member state constitutes an attack on all GCC countries under their Joint Defense Agreement. It also reaffirmed the member states’ right to individual and collective self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.

The ministers welcomed an October 15 UN Security Council presidential statement condemning Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including attacks on Aramco facilities, and affirming the kingdom’s right to self-defense.

They also reiterated support for a political settlement to the conflict in Yemen based on the established three references and called for strict implementation of the arms embargo against the Houthis.

Ministers Demand Accountability From Iran

The ministers referred to Human Rights Council Resolution 61/1 of 2026 in calling for Iran to repair the damage caused by the attacks. The council expressed support for diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing regional tensions.

GCC Warns Against Disruption to Maritime Routes

The council emphasized the importance of safeguarding navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

It warned against closing the waterways, obstructing maritime traffic, attacking commercial vessels or their crews, or laying mines. The ministers also rejected what they described as unlawful fees or restrictions on ships in transit, as well as requirements for prior permission or mandatory routes.

The council called for freedom of navigation to be restored and for conditions in the Strait of Hormuz to return to those in place before February 28.

FYI

The Gulf Cooperation Council comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Its Ministerial Council brings together foreign ministers to coordinate positions on regional security, political developments, and cooperation among member states.

The Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait are strategic maritime chokepoints for international trade and energy shipments. The Red Sea is also a major commercial shipping route connecting the Indian Ocean with the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal, making security and freedom of navigation regional and international concerns.

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