Gulf States Say They Have Right to Respond to Iranian Attacks

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have declared that they reserve the right to respond to what they described as Iran’s “unjustified” attacks on their territories.

The six-member bloc, comprising Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait, reported that their territories were struck by Iranian attacks following a bombing campaign on Iran by the United States and Israel on Saturday.

In a statement issued after an emergency meeting on Sunday, GCC ministers said that in view of what they described as Iranian aggression, member states would take all necessary measures to protect their security and stability. They added that this includes defending their territories, citizens and residents, with the option of responding to the attacks.

Iran has launched several strikes since Saturday, targeting Israel as well as some Gulf states. Some of the attacks were reportedly aimed at U.S. military bases in the region.

The situation follows rising tensions after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets.