Foreign ministers from a group of Arab and Islamic countries have strongly condemned recent Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting several regional states, calling for an immediate halt to hostilities and respect for international law.
The joint statement was issued following a consultative ministerial meeting held in Riyadh on March 18, attended by top diplomats from countries including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, Azerbaijan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Lebanon, and Syria.
The ministers denounced what they described as “deliberate” attacks by Iran involving ballistic missiles and drones, which targeted civilian areas and critical infrastructure across Gulf Cooperation Council countries as well as Jordan, Azerbaijan, and Türkiye. The statement noted that the strikes hit oil facilities, desalination plants, airports, residential buildings, and diplomatic missions.
Terming the attacks unjustifiable under any circumstances, the ministers reaffirmed the right of affected countries to self-defense in line with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.
The joint communiqué called on Iran to immediately cease its actions and adhere to international law and principles of good neighborliness to prevent further escalation.
They further called on Iran to stop supporting and arming affiliated militias in the region and to avoid any attempts to disrupt maritime security, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab.
In addition, the ministers reiterated support for the sovereignty and stability of Lebanon, backing efforts to ensure state control over weapons. They also condemned Israeli actions in Lebanon, citing concerns over regional expansionism.
The meeting concluded with a commitment by participating countries to maintain close coordination and consultations to monitor developments and adopt necessary measures to safeguard regional security and stability.
Addressing the ministerial meeting, Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar underscored the importance of preserving the unity of the Muslim Ummah, called for a swift end to the ongoing conflict in the region, and reiterated Pakistan’s call for dialogue and diplomacy.
Dar expressed full support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of all brotherly countries in the region, and emphasised the need to end all attacks on their territories.
He condemned in the strongest possible terms Israel’s continued aggression and provocations against regional countries. He also condemned attacks on civilians, as well as on energy and critical infrastructure in the region, calling for an immediate end to such actions.
Dar urged all parties to refrain from actions that could undermine the energy security of the region and beyond, thereby exacerbating global economic challenges.
Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign minister called for vigilance and regional coordination in separate calls with counterparts in Pakistan, Turkiye and Egypt as the military warned of a tougher response to any further attacks on its energy infrastructure, state media reported on Thursday.
“In the calls to foreign counterparts, Araghchi assessed the U.S. and Zionist regime’s (Israel) attack on Iranian infrastructure as an act aimed at escalating tensions and destabilising the region, and urged for vigilance and coordination among regional countries in response to these threats,” state media reported on Thursday.