In a joint statement on Thursday (local time), Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signaled their intention to act in “self-defense in the future”.
The development comes as they condemned Iran for its “blatant” and “criminal” attacks on its energy infrastructure since the U.S. and Israel waged war against Tehran in late February, which has targeted the Gulf states in retaliation, CNBC reported.
The states emphasized that the attacks launched from Iraqi territory by armed factions and Iranian-backed proxies were a particular grievance, calling it a violation of international law.
A joint statement condemning the attacks read: “While we value our brotherly relations with the Republic of Iraq, we call on the Iraqi government to take the necessary measures to immediately stop the attacks… on neighboring countries.” The Gulf countries further said that an end to such attacks is key to maintaining fraternal relations and preventing further escalation.
Gulf states reaffirm right to self-defense
In the statement, the Gulf states also reaffirmed their “full and inherent right to self-defense against these criminal attacks” in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which guarantees the right of states to defend themselves, both individually and collectively, in any case of aggression.
They also reserved the right to take all necessary measures to protect the sovereignty, security and stability of their countries and the region.
While this is not the first time Gulf countries have issued statements condemning Tehran’s attacks on its energy infrastructure and facilities, it is now seen as a strategy by the Islamic Republic to get its Arab neighbors to persuade the US and Israel to halt military operations.
But the latest joint statement and mention of the right to “self-defense” suggests a shift in tone from Tehran’s Gulf neighbors, who have previously called for de-escalation of tensions and so far taken a more neutral stance on the war, the report said.
Is the Gulf changing its stance on war with Iran?
Since the beginning of the war, the Gulf countries have borne the brunt of a war they had nothing to do with. While they have so far maintained a conciliatory tone, their stance appears to be changing, CNBC noted, adding that there are strong signs that their patience is wearing thin. Gulf state officials have also previously warned that “there must be a price” for the attacks, which for years have served as a stumbling block to the region’s economic development and damaged its reputation as a haven for business and tourism.
