Six Middle Eastern countries issue joint statement, citing possibility of military action against Iran

Six Middle Eastern countries—Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Jordan—publicly warned that they could exercise the right of self-defense through military means in response to attacks by Iran and its proxy forces.

According to Saudi state news agency SPA and other sources on the 25th (local time), the six countries released a joint statement saying, “Under international law, states have the right to defend themselves individually and collectively if attacked,” adding, “We have the right to take all measures necessary to safeguard sovereignty, security and stability.”

Article 51 of the UN Charter stipulates that, in the event of an armed attack, the state under attack may exercise the right of self-defense individually or collectively until the Security Council has taken measures.

The statement came as Iran, amid a military confrontation with the United States and Israel, has been using strikes on neighboring countries as a means of retaliation. Iran has employed missiles and drones to hit critical infrastructure such as energy facilities and tourist sites in nearby countries, and has used foreign airspace as transit routes for airstrikes, fueling economic and political turmoil across the region.

The six countries said they “condemn Iran’s blatant attacks in the strongest terms,” and described attacks carried out directly by Iran—or perpetrated through proxy forces and supported armed groups—as “a flagrant infringement of, or violation of, sovereignty, territorial integrity, international law, international humanitarian law, the UN Charter.”

They also separately condemned attacks on key regional infrastructure by pro-Iran armed groups based in Iraq.

The Middle Eastern countries said “Iran’s actions violate international law and conventions and openly breach UN Security Council resolutions,” stressing that “Iran must immediately and unconditionally cease attacks or threats targeting neighboring countries in accordance with the resolutions.”

The six countries added that they “condemn destabilizing acts planned by sleeper agents loyal to Iran and terrorist groups linked to Hezbollah, as well as activities that threaten the security and stability of neighboring countries.”

By Yonghyun Shin, Hankyung.com reporter yonghyun@hankyung.com