GCC Urges UN Action Over Iranian Attacks

The Kingdom of Bahrain’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, sent identical letters to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and UN Security Council President, US Ambassador Mike Waltz, drawing attention to Iran’s missile and drone attacks on GCC countries since February 28, 2026. The letters highlighted Iran’s violations of state sovereignty, international law, and the UN Charter, particularly contravening Security Council Resolution 2817 adopted on March 11, 2026, which condemned Iran unanimously and was supported by 136 nations, reflecting the international community’s rejection of these aggressive acts that threaten regional stability.

The letters, the second issued by the GCC since the start of Iran’s overt aggression, emphasized that GCC air defense systems successfully intercepted Iranian attacks targeting member states’ airspace, territorial waters, and lands on a daily basis. These defensive measures have mitigated potential damage and safeguarded civilian lives and critical infrastructure.

The letters stressed that the attacks were not limited to a single country but directly affected all GCC member states. They targeted oil production and refining facilities, fuel storage, energy export ports, gas and energy installations, international airports, logistics centers, government buildings, civilian facilities, and other vital infrastructure using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. These systematic assaults have caused significant material damage, disrupted production and supply operations, and affected transportation, essential services, and the environment, creating broad economic, health, and safety risks.

The letters underscored the deliberate and unlawful nature of these attacks, including strikes on purely civilian sites unrelated to military operations, constituting clear violations of international law, humanitarian law, and the principles of good neighborliness. Iran continues to ignore Security Council Resolution 2817 by escalating threats to maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, attacking commercial and cargo ships, and targeting maritime infrastructure and energy facilities in GCC states. These actions endanger civilian lives and maritime safety, reduce transit through the strait, and negatively impact global trade, energy supplies, and the world economy.

The letters further noted that Iran’s continued attacks, even after the adoption of Resolution 2817, represent a clear and ongoing violation of the resolution, reflecting deliberate non-compliance and a persistent approach to regional destabilization, undermining international efforts to maintain peace and security.

The GCC reiterated its strong condemnation of these repeated attacks, emphasizing that continued aggression poses a direct threat to regional and international security. The letters called for decisive action by the international community and the UN Security Council to ensure respect for Security Council resolutions and their full implementation.

Finally, the letters affirmed the GCC states’ inherent right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter in response to ongoing attacks, in proportion to the threat and in accordance with international law, to protect sovereignty, territorial security, and the safety of citizens and residents. The letters urged the international community, and the UN Security Council in particular, to take the necessary measures to ensure Iran’s compliance with Resolution 2817 and to halt violations that undermine regional security and stability.