Gulf states and UK call for confronting Iranian threats to Hormuz shipping

The Gulf Cooperation Council and the United Kingdom issued a joint declaration Sunday condemning Iranian threats to maritime security and calling for concerted action to protect international shipping lanes. The statement followed a Friday meeting in London between GCC foreign ministers and British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper focused on Iranian attacks targeting Gulf states.

Protecting global economic arteries

The joint statement emphasized that security and stability in the Gulf region are "fundamental pillars of global economic stability" and are "closely linked to the security of the UK and international security." The allies stressed the urgent need to protect regional airspace and ensure freedom of navigation against any threats that could obstruct international shipping in the strategic Strait of Hormuz or endanger maritime security in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, through which a significant portion of global energy supplies transit.

Right to self-defense affirmed

The ministers affirmed that GCC countries have the right to take all necessary measures, individually and collectively, to defend their security, stability and territories against Iranian attacks. The statement comes as Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz since March 1 following the launch of joint US-Israeli attacks against Iran on Feb. 28, which have killed over 1,200 people including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Diplomacy remains on the table

Despite the strong language on defense, the allies reiterated their "firm commitment to dialogue and diplomacy" as the means to resolve the current crisis. They praised the "constructive role played by Oman in mediation efforts between Iran and the US" and stressed the need to restore regional stability and security. The dual-track approach reflects Gulf states' desire to balance deterrence against Iranian aggression with maintaining channels for diplomatic engagement.

Conflicting claims over drone attacks

The joint statement came amid conflicting claims about responsibility for recent attacks. On Saturday, a spokesperson for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters accused the US and Israel of carrying out attacks on unlawful targets using Lucas drones, described as imitations of Iran's Shahed-136 drone. However, US Central Command denied Iran's claim, blaming Tehran instead for the attacks. The war of words underscores the complex information battle accompanying the military conflict, which has seen Iran retaliate with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.