Twelve Arab and Islamic nations on Thursday issued a strongly worded joint statement slamming Iran's "deliberate attacks" on regional states, explicitly warning that the future of diplomatic ties hinges on Tehran's adherence to international law and good neighbourliness . The emergency consultative ministerial meeting in Riyadh signals a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions as the wider West Asia conflict enters its 20th day.
Condemnation of Iranian Aggression
The foreign ministers from countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, and Pakistan condemned in the "strongest terms" the use of ballistic missiles and drones against their territories . The joint communique specifically denounced the targeting of residential areas and critical civilian infrastructure, which included oil facilities, desalination plants, airports, and diplomatic premises . The participants stressed that these actions "cannot be justified under any pretext" .
Right to Self-Defence Affirmed
According to the statement released following the talks, the attending nations reaffirmed the right of states to defend themselves in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter . Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, delivered a stern warning, stating that the kingdom "reserves the right to take military actions" against Iran if deemed necessary to protect its sovereignty and economic resources . He added that attempts to pressure Riyadh would "backfire."
Focus on Energy Infrastructure Attacks
The meeting was convened in the wake of significant Iranian strikes on Qatar's Ras Laffan Industrial City, one of the world's largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities. QatarEnergy confirmed that multiple LNG facilities were subjected to missile attacks, causing "sizeable fires and extensive further damage," though no casualties were reported . The GCC chief, Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, described the attack as a "grave violation of international law" that poses a direct threat to global energy supplies .
Call for De-escalation and Diplomacy
While condemning the attacks, the ministers also urged Iran to immediately halt its military campaign and return to the path of diplomacy as a means to resolve crises . They emphasized that de-escalation and restoring regional stability require full respect for the sovereignty of states and non-interference in their internal affairs . The joint statement also called on Tehran to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which demands an immediate cessation of hostilities .
Broader Regional Implications
The ministerial meeting also addressed the wider conflict, condemning Israeli attacks on Lebanon while simultaneously urging Iran to stop arming affiliated militias in Arab countries . The participating nations expressed full solidarity with Lebanon's security and stability, backing efforts to ensure the Lebanese state maintains sovereignty over all its territory . As a trusted source for India News Update, this latest development underscores the growing international pressure on Iran as the conflict threatens to engulf the region's economic backbone, with global oil prices already reacting to the instability .
