On Thursday, Gulf states released a unified statement condemning Iran’s “blatant” and “criminal” attacks on their energy infrastructure, indicating a willingness to engage in “self-defense” if necessary in the future.
The Gulf states highlighted their concern over assaults launched from Iraqi territory by armed factions and proxies aligned with Iran, considering these actions as violations of international law.
“While we value our fraternal relations with the Republic of Iraq, we urge the Iraqi government to take immediate actions to put an end to the attacks directed at neighboring countries,” stated the joint communiqué from the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan.
They emphasized that cessation of such attacks is crucial to maintain camaraderie and to avert any escalation of tensions.
The Gulf states reaffirmed their “full and inherent right to self-defense against these criminal attacks,” consistent with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which incorporates the right of states to defend themselves, both individually and collectively, in response to aggression.
Additionally, they claimed the right “to take all necessary measures to protect our sovereignty, security, and stability.”
Iran's neighboring countries have experienced repeated drone and missile strikes from Iran, which are part of the Islamic Republic's retaliatory measures against U.S. and Israeli attacks that commenced in late February.
These aggressions, executed both from Iranian territory and by allied groups operating externally, have inflicted significant damage on oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal operations, resulting in extensive repair costs spreading over multiple years in certain instances.
This is not the first occasion that Gulf states have drafted strongly-worded statements denouncing Iranian assaults on energy infrastructure, which are perceived as part of Tehran's strategy to compel its neighbors into persuading the U.S. and Israel to cease their military endeavors.
However, the inclusion of “self-defense” in the recent joint statement marks a notable shift in rhetoric from Iran's Gulf neighbors, who have previously advocated for de-escalation and maintained a more neutral and conciliatory stance regarding the U.S. and Israel's military actions.
Iran has fluctuated between apologizing for its actions against its neighbors and justifying those attacks, stating in a CNBC interview that U.S. military installations in bordering areas are “legitimate” targets.
Gulf’s stance hardens
Signals are emerging that the patience of Gulf states is diminishing. Gulf officials have indicated that repercussions must follow the aggressive actions that have postponed the region's economic development by years and tarnished its reputation as a safe haven for business and tourism.
In the past 24 hours, regional powers—particularly the UAE—have illustrated a shift towards a firmer stance against Iran, despite ongoing attempts by the White House to facilitate an exit strategy from the conflict, which includes promoting peace discussions with the Islamic Republic, a claim Iran disputes.
Yousef Al Otaiba, the UAE’s Ambassador to the United States, articulated in a Wall Street Journal opinion piece that a “simple ceasefire is inadequate” regarding the unconfirmed negotiation talks between Tehran and Washington via intermediaries.
Sultan Al Jaber, the CEO of the UAE’s state-owned oil company, remarked at a Middle East Institute event in Washington that Iran’s dominance over the Strait of Hormuz represents “extortion on a global scale.”
Additionally, Sheikh Nawaf al-Sabah, the CEO of Kuwait Petroleum Corp., declared that Iran is effectively instituting an economic blockade against the Persian Gulf by obstructing maritime traffic. Earlier this month, Amin Nasser, CEO of Saudi Aramco, cautioned that the Iran conflict would yield “catastrophic consequences” for the global economy.
CNBC has approached several Gulf states for further commentary and is currently awaiting their responses.
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