RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: A ministerial meeting hosted by Saudi Arabia on Thursday called on Iran to “immediately and unconditionally” stop attacks against Gulf countries.
The meeting followed escalating tensions triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28 and subsequent retaliatory attacks by Tehran targeting US assets in the Gulf.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar attended the talks in Riyadh alongside representatives from multiple countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Turkiye, and Egypt.
In a joint statement, participants condemned Iran’s missile and drone strikes and held it fully responsible. Moreover, they urged Tehran to comply with United Nations Security Council resolutions and cease actions described as violations of sovereignty and international law.
The ministers also highlighted concerns over support for militias, warning that continued aggression could lead to serious consequences. Additionally, they cautioned that such actions risk damaging Iran’s relations with regional states and destabilising the broader Middle East.
Furthermore, the meeting stressed the importance of safeguarding maritime security, urging Iran to avoid threats to key waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab. The ministers reaffirmed support for Lebanon’s sovereignty while condemning Israeli strikes there amid rising cross-border tensions involving Hezbollah.
Meanwhile, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan warned that the kingdom reserves the right to take military action if attacks persist. He stated that continued escalation would be met with a firm response, emphasising that Gulf states would not yield to pressure or threats.
