His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), affirmed that the unity of the Gulf position has always been a source of strength for "our nations". He pointed out that the Extraordinary Meeting of GCC Information Ministers, held today, reflects a shared recognition of the vital role of Gulf media in this phase through the mobilisation and coordination of media capabilities and the delivery of a professional and responsible media discourse that embodies the Council's positions and counters attempts at distortion and disinformation.
These remarks were delivered during His Excellency’s speech at the Extraordinary Meeting of GCC Information Ministers, held today, Monday, March 9, 2026, via videoconference. The meeting was chaired by His Excellency Dr Ramzan bin Abdulla Al Nuaimi, Minister of Information of the Kingdom of Bahrain and President of the current session, with the participation of Their Excellencies the Ministers of Information of the GCC states.
During his speech, His Excellency Mr Albudaiwi stated that today’s meeting convenes amid grave developments in the region resulting from the brutal Iranian military escalation targeting GCC states. He described this as a flagrant violation of sovereignty of the GCC member states and a direct threat to their security, stability, and the safety of populations.
He emphasised that this requires a unified and firm stance at all levels, including joint media cooperation and coordination, which are the optimal way to confront challenges. He added that Gulf media is called upon now more than ever to rise to this responsibility, enhance awareness, and support the efforts of the GCC leadership in maintaining regional security.
"In such circumstances, the role of media is not limited to reporting events but transcends that to become the 'first line of defense' in confronting disinformation campaigns, countering misinformation, and revealing facts to regional and international public opinion," His Excellency said.
This, he noted, reflects the justice of the GCC states' position and their enduring commitment to the principles of international law, respect for state sovereignty, and good neighbourliness.
His Excellency expressed his aspiration that this meeting would contribute to a shared vision and framework to enhance joint Gulf media action, establish practical mechanisms for dealing with misleading media campaigns, and leverage various traditional and digital media platforms to convey the voice of "our nations" to the world with clarity and credibility.
His Excellency Mr Albudaiwi further noted that during the meeting, Their Excellencies expressed their rejection and condemnation in the strongest possible terms of the nefarious Iranian attacks targeting GCC member states. They highlighted the grave and unprecedented nature of these attacks, which struck civilian objects, vital facilities, infrastructure, residential areas, and private property, in a gross and flagrant violation of the principles of international law, International Humanitarian Law, and the United Nations (UN) Charter, posing a direct threat to the security and stability of the region and the safety of its peoples.
They reaffirmed the GCC states' reserved legal right to respond, in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, which guarantees the inherent right of individual or collective self-defence in the event of aggression, and to take all measures necessary to preserve their sovereignty, security, and stability.
Furthermore, they expressed profound pride and great appreciation for the efforts exerted by the armed forces across all GCC states to defend their nations, safeguard their sovereignty, and counter this aggression. They also praised the pivotal role played by security agencies and competent authorities in taking the necessary measures to enhance the security and stability framework, ensure the safety of citizens and residents, and secure vital facilities and installations.
In conclusion, Their Excellencies offered their sincerest condolences and sympathy for the martyrs who fell while performing their national duty, as well as the innocent civilian victims across all GCC states, praying to Allah the Almighty for their mercy and wishing a speedy recovery for the injured, as well as and to safeguard "our nations and our peoples" from all harm and adversity.
