GCC urges UN action against Iran, Houthis over Gulf security threats

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jassem Mohammed Albudaiwi reaffirmed before the United Nations Security Council in New York that GCC states categorically reject any threat to their security, sovereignty, or territorial integrity. He stressed that the attacks targeting the region violate international law, threaten global peace and security, and require Security Council action to halt and prevent their recurrence.

Albudaiwi said that since February 28, 2026, GCC states have faced more than 7,000 Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting airports, ports, energy and electricity facilities, desalination plants, and residential areas. These attacks have resulted in casualties, severe infrastructure damage, and serious environmental consequences for the Arabian Gulf.

He reiterated the GCC's condemnation of these attacks, holding Iran fully responsible for them and their repercussions. Albudaiwi highlighted the diplomatic efforts made by GCC states to de-escalate the situation and welcomed Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), which condemned Iranian attacks on GCC countries and Jordan and demanded their immediate cessation. He called for continued monitoring of the resolution's implementation.

Albudaiwi also welcomed Human Rights Council Resolution 61/1 (2026), which calls for accountability and obliges Iran to compensate for damages caused by the attacks. He renewed the GCC's condemnation of attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi militia against Saudi Arabia, affirming the bloc's full solidarity with the Kingdom and support for its measures to protect its security.

He welcomed the Security Council presidential statement issued on October 15, 2026, and called for the enforcement of the arms embargo on the militia, its designation as a terrorist group, and accountability for its attacks. Albudaiwi also welcomed Security Council Resolution 2837, which condemned the Houthis' military escalation in Yemen, their attacks on Saudi Arabia, and threats to commercial shipping. He demanded an immediate and unconditional halt to these actions and condemned violations against UN staff and humanitarian workers.

Albudaiwi affirmed the GCC's support for Yemen's sovereignty and unity, and for UN efforts and its special envoy to reach a comprehensive political solution based on the three agreed references. He noted that the impact of Iranian and Houthi attacks has extended to international maritime corridors, underscoring the importance of security in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab Al-Mandab for global trade. He condemned attacks on commercial vessels and oil and gas tankers, rejecting any attempt to close or obstruct navigation or impose illegal transit restrictions or fees.

He also condemned Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandab, stressing the need for full implementation of Resolution 2722 (2024), which demands the Houthis cease attacks on commercial shipping. Albudaiwi said this resolution, together with 2817, provides a clear basis for Security Council action to protect vessels and ensure safe, unimpeded passage.

Albudaiwi noted that the interconnectedness of global economies makes the security of maritime corridors a collective responsibility. He said disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have led to supply chain interruptions, shortages of essential goods, and halted flows of fertilizers and ammonia, threatening global food security.

The UN Secretary-General has warned of rising inflation and the risk of famine in some regions, especially developing countries, due to fertilizer shortages. Albudaiwi noted that the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea guarantees the right of transit passage and prohibits its obstruction, citing Security Council Resolution 552 (1984), which affirmed the Council's responsibility to protect maritime navigation.

Albudaiwi reiterated the GCC's firm stance on the Palestinian issue, supporting an end to Israeli occupation and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. He also affirmed the GCC's support for the sovereignty, unity, and stability of Lebanon and Syria.

He noted the GCC's commitment to resolving crises through dialogue and diplomacy, and to building relations with Iran based on respect for sovereignty and non-interference. Albudaiwi emphasized that any agreements with Iran must address GCC security concerns, including its nuclear program, ballistic missiles, drones, and support for proxies, and stressed the importance of GCC participation in any negotiations affecting its security.

Albudaiwi concluded by calling on the Security Council and the international community to work toward the immediate and unconditional cessation of Iranian and Houthi attacks, accountability for those responsible, and requiring Iran to compensate for damages. He affirmed the GCC's continued support for mediation and peace efforts, stressing that Gulf security is integral to global security.