This handout satellite image courtesy of Vantor shows damage following a drone attack on a high-rise apartment building in Bahrain's capital Manama. AFP
The ministers “strongly condemned the unjustifiable Iranian attacks against the GCC countries which threaten regional and global security” and called on Iran to “cease immediately its attacks.”
The statement reaffirmed the European Union’s “solidarity with the countries of the GCC” and emphasized the ministers’ “commitment to regional stability” and the protection of civilians, along with “full respect of international law, international humanitarian law and the obligation to abide by the principles of the United Nations Charter.”
The statement detailed that the attacks caused “significant damage” to civilian infrastructure, including oil facilities, service facilities, and residential areas, “resulting in material damage and threatening the security, safety and lives of civilians.”
It reaffirmed the GCC countries’ inherent right, under Article 51 of the UN Charter, “to defend themselves, individually and collectively, against the armed attacks of Iran,” and affirmed that they “have the right to take all necessary measures to defend their security and stability and protect their territories, citizens and residents.”
The ministers also stressed the importance of safeguarding regional airspace, maritime routes, and freedom of navigation, including in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb, as well as “the stability of global energy markets.” They highlighted the value of EU maritime defensive operations, including ASPIDES and ATALANTA, to “protect critical waterways and reduce disruption to supply chains,” and encouraged coordinated support for these efforts.
The statement concluded by noting the EU’s gratitude to the GCC member states “for the hospitality and assistance provided to nationals from the EU on their soil,” pledging to continue efforts to ensure “the safe departure of their citizens in close cooperation with the GCC member states.”
Earlier today, several European countries pledged military assistance to EU member Cyprus as the Middle East conflict intensifies and widens.
Britain, Greece, and Portugal have gone further by also allowing the US military to use their bases under certain conditions.
Spain has ruled this out, and Italy has said it has not received any such request.
Meanwhile, Bahrain authorities said a fire at the country’s main oil refinery, sparked by an Iranian missile strike, has been fully contained. The blaze occurred at a unit of the Bapco Energies facility on the island of Sitra, according to a statement from the National Communication Centre.
Officials reported no injuries and said refinery operations were continuing, while an assessment of the damage was underway. The refinery, located on Sitra’s east coast south of the capital Manama, is operated by Bahrain’s state oil company Bapco.
Short link: