A joint communiqué issued after the United States-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) ministerial meeting in Bahrain outlined shared positions on regional security, Gaza, Iran, Lebanon, and the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the joint statement, participants welcomed the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran and praised the diplomatic mediation efforts of Pakistan and Qatar.
The communiqué rejected the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, stating that no Palestinian should be compelled to leave the territory. It added that those who leave temporarily must be guaranteed the right to return. The statement also emphasized the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian assistance and the protection of civilians.
The joint statement expressed support for the ongoing U.S.-mediated negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, saying the talks should continue despite other regional conflicts.
It further stressed that all non-state armed groups in Lebanon should be disarmed to ensure the country’s full sovereignty, and that only the Lebanese state should have the authority to use force. The participants also reaffirmed their commitment to continuing support for the Lebanese Armed Forces.
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The GCC communiqué reiterated its opposition to Iran acquiring nuclear weapons, stating that Iran should never be allowed to develop such weapons.
The statement also expressed concern over Iran’s ballistic missile program, drone capabilities, and its allied armed groups in the region, commonly referred to as proxy networks. It said these issues should also be included in diplomatic negotiations.
The participants voiced support for free and secure maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and rejected any attempts to impose tolls, fees, or control over the strategic waterway.
The joint communiqué reaffirmed the participants’ commitment to continued cooperation aimed at reducing regional tensions, respecting international law, pursuing diplomatic solutions, and promoting regional stability.
