His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), underlined that the GCC states reject any infringement on their security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. He underscored that the assaults they face constitute a flagrant violation of international law and a direct threat to international peace and security, necessitating resolute action by the Security Council to ensure their cessation in implementation of its resolutions and to prevent their recurrence.
These remarks came during His Excellency's briefing before the United Nations (UN) Security Council today, Friday, 13 November 2026, at the UN Headquarters in New York. He expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Republic of Latvia, which holds the presidency of the Council for this month, for convening the session and providing the opportunity to present the unified Gulf stance regarding regional developments and their repercussions on regional and international security and the freedom of navigation.
"Since 28 February 2026, the GCC states have been subjected to Iranian attacks involving over 7,000 missiles and drones. These assaults targeted airports, ports, energy, electricity, and water desalination facilities, as well as residential areas and civilian infrastructure, resulting in casualties, injuries, and severe damage to infrastructure, in addition to grave repercussions on the marine environment in the Arabian Gulf," His Excellency stated. He renewed the GCC's condemnation of these attacks, holding Iran fully responsible for them and their consequences, pointing out that the GCC states have exerted relentless diplomatic efforts to spare the region from further escalation.
Furthermore, His Excellency the Secretary General commended the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), which condemned the Iranian attacks on the GCC states and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and demanded their immediate cessation. He called for following up on its implementation and ensuring the non-recurrence of these attacks, referencing Human Rights Council Resolution 61/1 (2026), which called for accountability and demanded that Iran provide reparations for the damages, losses, and injuries resulting from its transgressions.
Moreover, His Excellency reiterated the GCC's condemnation of the assaults by the Iranian-backed terrorist Houthi militia on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, underlining the GCC states' full solidarity with the Kingdom and their support for the measures it takes to safeguard its sovereignty and protect its security. He welcomed the UNSC Presidential Statement issued on 15 October 2026, calling for the enforcement of the arms embargo on the militia, its designation as a terrorist group, and the accountability of those responsible for its attacks. His Excellency also welcomed the unanimous adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2837, which strongly condemned the military escalation by the Houthi militia in Yemen, its attacks on Saudi Arabia, and its threats to commercial navigation, demanding that it immediately and unconditionally cease its escalation and attacks, including assaults targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure.
His Excellency also condemned the militia's violations against UN staff and humanitarian workers, reaffirming the GCC's support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Republic of Yemen, and for the endeavours of the UN and its Special Envoy to reach a comprehensive political solution in accordance with the three terms of reference.
"The repercussions of the Iranian attacks and Houthi threats have extended to international maritime corridors. The Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait are vital arteries for global trade and energy supplies, and their security is a shared international interest that transcends the boundaries of the region," His Excellency stated. He added that the GCC condemns these attacks targeting commercial vessels and oil and gas tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, which have claimed the lives of a number of sailors. "The GCC categorically rejects any attempt to close the strait, obstruct navigation within it, or impose illicit restrictions or transit fees," His Excellency stressed. He further condemned the terrorist Houthi attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
"Proceeding from this premise, the GCC underscores the necessity of fully implementing Resolution 2722 (2024), which demanded that the Houthis immediately cease their attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. This resolution, in conjunction with Resolution 2817, provides a clear foundation for Security Council action to stop the attacks, protect vessels and their crews, and guarantee safe passage in these corridors without threats or unlawful restrictions," His Excellency stated.
Additionally, His Excellency pointed out that the interconnectedness of global economies renders the security of maritime corridors a collective responsibility, as the disruption of navigation in a single passage extends its impact to factories, corporations, and consumers across continents. "The repercussions of disrupting navigation in the Strait of Hormuz have transcended the economic dimension to a grave humanitarian one. This continued disruption has led to the destabilisation of global supply chains, shortages in essential commodities and food supplies, and a halt in the flow of fertilisers and ammonia, upon which global food security heavily relies," he elaborated. He recalled that the UN Secretary-General has warned of escalating global inflation and the risk of certain regions—particularly developing and highly vulnerable nations—slipping into famine and acute food insecurity as a result of fertiliser shortages.
Furthermore, His Excellency explained that the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) guarantees the right of transit passage for ships and aircraft in straits subject to this regime, prohibiting its impediment or suspension, while respecting the sovereignty and rights of bordering states. He recalled UN Security Council Resolution 552 (1984), adopted by the Council based on a draft submitted by the GCC states during the Tanker War, reiterating the Security Council's responsibility to protect maritime navigation given its critical importance to international peace and security.
Regarding regional developments, His Excellency the Secretary General reiterated the GCC's steadfast stance on the Palestinian cause, voicing support for ending the Israeli occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian state on the borders of 4 June 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital. His Excellency also affirmed the GCC's support for the sovereignty of the Lebanese Republic and the extension of state authority over its entire territory in implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, as well as for the sovereignty, unity, and stability of the Syrian Arab Republic.
"The GCC states are deeply keen to address crises through dialogue and diplomacy, and to build relations with Iran predicated on the respect for sovereignty, good neighbourliness, and non-interference in internal affairs," His Excellency highlighted. He stressed the necessity that any understandings with Iran must address the security concerns of the GCC states, including the Iranian nuclear programme, ballistic missiles, drones, and the sponsoring of proxies, asserting that the GCC states must be included in any negotiations or arrangements that affect their security and interests.
His Excellency the Secretary General concluded his briefing by calling upon the Security Council and the international community to work towards an immediate and unconditional cessation of Iranian attacks against the GCC states and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, as well as halting the Houthi attacks on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and commercial vessels. He urged holding those responsible for these attacks accountable and mandating Iran to provide reparations for the ensuing damages. He underlined that the GCC states will continue, under the directives of Their Majesties and Highnesses the Leaders of the GCC states, their role in supporting mediation and peace efforts, underscoring that the security of the Arabian Gulf is an indivisible part of international security.