File Photo- Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary General Jasem AlBudaiwi .
“We emphasize the necessity of involving GCC countries in any talks or agreements to resolve this crisis, in a way that contributes to strengthening their security and stability,” said Jasem AlBudaiwi, secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, in a televised speech.
He added that the bloc rejected “any arrangements intended to redraw the map of the Middle East after the conflict ends.”
AlBudaiwi accused Iran of charging fees for vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz safely, the first such allegation by a senior Gulf official.
He said Tehran had directed 85 percent of its missiles toward Gulf states, warning that Iran’s regional actions had “crossed all boundaries.”
AlBudaiwi noted that Gulf states would not accept the “continued deception or attempts to justify aggression,” adding that they had exercised maximum restraint and chosen not to respond to avoid widening the conflict.
He reiterated that the bloc favours diplomatic solutions and has made extensive efforts to prevent escalation, while stressing that the right of Gulf states to self-defence is guaranteed under international law.
Despite assurances that Gulf territory would not be used to launch attacks on Iran, he said, Tehran had continued military operations targeting the region, including strikes on civilian and residential areas. Iran has continued retaliatory attacks on Israel and Gulf states, which it accuses of being launchpads for US strikes.
Separately, the United Nations Human Rights Council on Wednesday condemned what it described as Iran’s “egregious attacks” on its Gulf neighbours and called for full reparations for victims.
The 47-member council adopted by consensus a resolution brought by GCC states and Jordan, demanding that Iran immediately stop all unprovoked attacks and expressing concern over strikes on energy infrastructure and threats to the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has tightened its control over shipping through the strategic waterway, which connects the Gulf to the open ocean.
Iranian media quoted lawmaker Mohammadreza Rezaei Kouchi as saying parliament was working to formalize fees for vessels crossing the strait, arguing that Iran provides security for the route.
Shipping intelligence firm Lloyd’s List said some vessels have been required to submit manifests and crew details for screening, with at least two ships reportedly paying fees settled in yuan.
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