BY MOHAMMAD TARIQUE SALEEM
The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi, has accused Iran of driving a dangerous escalation in the Gulf region, calling for an immediate halt to attacks targeting critical energy infrastructure. His remarks come amid rising tensions and growing concerns over regional stability.
In a series of statements delivered during a press conference in Riyadh, Al-Budaiwi said that Iranian actions pose a direct threat to the security of Gulf nations. He alleged that recent attacks had targeted oil refineries across Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait. Describing the strikes as “systematic,” he warned that they were aimed at crippling vital energy facilities that play a crucial role in global supply.
Al-Budaiwi emphasized the need for Gulf countries to be actively involved in any diplomatic negotiations aimed at resolving the crisis. “We stress the necessity of including GCC states in all discussions and agreements to ensure the protection of their security and stability,” he said, while reiterating that although Gulf nations have the right to self-defence, they continue to prioritize diplomatic solutions.
Calling for a unified global stance, the GCC chief urged the international community to send a strong and coordinated message to Iran to cease its actions immediately. He also rejected any potential post-conflict arrangements that could attempt to redraw regional boundaries, warning that such moves would further destabilize the region.
Additionally, Al-Budaiwi accused Iran of demanding payments from vessels passing through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply flows. His remarks mark one of the strongest public statements by a senior regional official amid the ongoing crisis.
