MANAMA: The Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has formally called upon the international community to designate the Houthi militia as a terrorist group and to treat the outfit in the same manner as global terrorist organizations that threaten international peace, security, and economic stability.
In an official communique released at the conclusion of the 168th session of the Ministerial Council held in Manama on Sunday, the GCC underscored the urgent necessity to cut off all supply lines and support mechanisms enabling the Houthi militia to acquire advanced ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Presided over by Dr. Abdullatif Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain and current Chairman of the Ministerial Council, the session strongly condemned the persistent Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia. The Council highlighted that attacks targeting the Two Holy Mosques, surrounding civilian areas, international airports, and vital energy infrastructure constitute flagrant violations of international law and international humanitarian law. The Council expressed deep condolences to the families of victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
Reaffirming complete solidarity with Saudi Arabia, the Council stated that the security of all GCC member states remains indivisible under the Joint Defense Agreement. Any aggression against one member state is treated as a direct assault on all GCC nations. Exercising their inherent right to individual and collective self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, GCC states reiterated their commitment to taking all necessary measures to safeguard their citizens, residents, and national sovereignty.
The Ministerial Council demanded strict enforcement of UN Security Council resolutions pertaining to Yemen and the Houthi rebellion, specifically calling on the UN and permanent members of the Security Council to rigorously enforce the mandatory arms embargo on the militia. The Council emphasized that maintaining maritime and aerial navigation freedom is a shared international priority that allows for no selectivity.
The Council welcomed the UN Security Council’s unanimous Presidential Statement adopted on October 15, which condemned escalating Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabian infrastructure, including Aramco facilities, and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s right to self-defense under international law while insisting on the full execution of Resolution 2216.
Addressing the broader Yemeni conflict, the GCC reaffirmed its support for Yemen’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, advocating for a peaceful political solution based on three key references: the Comprehensive National Dialogue Conference outcomes, the GCC Initiative, and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Furthermore, the Council issued a strong condemnation of continued Iranian missile and drone strikes against GCC member states and Jordan, executed either directly or through regional proxies. These strikes have inflicted severe material damage on civilian infrastructure, public utilities, and diplomatic missions.
Holding Iran fully responsible for these hostilities and their consequences, the Council rejected Tehran’s justifications and demanded an immediate, unconditional cessation of all threats in compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 2817. It urged the UN to enforce accountability and compel Iran to provide reparations under UN Human Rights Council Resolution 61/1.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab Al Mandeb Strait, and the Red Sea as crucial arteries for global trade and energy supply, the Council condemned any attempts to block navigation, lay sea mines, or impose unlawful transit restrictions.
Rejecting any measures that subject transit passage to prior authorization or enforced routes in violation of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the GCC urged the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to safeguard seafarers and called for restoring maritime conditions in the Strait of Hormuz to those prevailing prior to February 28, 2026.
Concluding its session, the GCC Council advocated for a return to diplomacy and dialogue, supporting regional and international mediation efforts while emphasizing that any future security arrangements must comprehensively address Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic missile development, drone proliferation, and proxy support, with direct involvement of GCC member states.
For more details: Navamalayalam.com