The United Arab Emirates has called for a united and cohesive Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) stance to counter what it described as Iranian aggressions targeting the security and stability of member states, emphasizing that the security of Gulf nations is interconnected and any threat to one constitutes a threat to all.
This appeal from the UAE follows a strong official condemnation of missile and drone attacks that targeted the Kingdom of Bahrain. Kuwait has also experienced similar attempted strikes amidst escalating regional tensions and growing concerns of a wider conflict.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the attacks on Bahrain were "terrorist aggressions" and a clear violation of the Kingdom's sovereignty and international law, posing a direct threat to Bahrain's security, stability, and vital civilian infrastructure.
The ministry stressed that targeting Bahrain with missiles and drones represents a dangerous escalation that undermines regional security and stability, reiterating the UAE's complete rejection of all hostile acts that target states, their sovereignty, or threaten civilians and critical infrastructure.
Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the UAE President, asserted that recent developments necessitate a unified and resolute GCC position. He stated, "In light of the repeated Iranian aggression against the sisterly states of Kuwait and Bahrain, a firm, united, and cohesive Gulf stance is imperative." Gargash emphasized that the security of GCC states cannot be dealt with in isolation, adding, "No Gulf state should be left to face targeting alone, as the security of the Arab Gulf states is interconnected, their interests are shared, and their destiny is one."
He further affirmed that Iran's attacks are not directed at a specific country but represent a direct threat to the entire GCC security framework. Gargash concluded, "This aggression does not target one country, but targets us all."
Reports indicate that the air defense systems in Kuwait and Bahrain successfully intercepted several ballistic missiles and drones launched by Iran, thwarting all attacks without causing significant damage. These developments occur amidst unprecedented escalation between Iran and the United States and its regional allies, fueling concerns about the conflict broadening to encompass neighboring Gulf states.
In response, the U.S. Central Command announced military strikes on targets in Iran's Qeshm Island, in retaliation for what it described as Tehran's recent attack attempts. The command stated that Iran launched ballistic missiles toward several regional countries, but these attacks failed due to the readiness of air defense systems and security coordination among the concerned nations.
Analysts view the UAE's position as reflective of a growing Gulf trend towards strengthening collective action against escalating security threats, particularly given the repeated missile and drone attacks targeting the region. The UAE's statements also underscore the importance of activating joint defense mechanisms and coordination among GCC countries, as current security challenges affect the collective security of the Gulf states and the stability of the entire region.
These events are accompanied by ongoing Arab and international condemnations of Iranian attacks, with calls for respecting states' sovereignty and avoiding further escalation that could have widespread repercussions on regional security, navigation, energy, and the global economy.
