In a strongly worded joint statement, foreign ministers from a coalition of Arab and Islamic countries asserted their right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter while calling on Iran to immediately halt its ongoing missile and drone attacks across the region.
The statement was issued following a high-level consultative meeting held in Riyadh on March 18, bringing together top diplomats from Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Türkiye, the UAE, and Azerbaijan.
The ministers “condemned and denounced” Iran's “deliberate attacks” targeting civilian infrastructure, including residential areas, oil facilities, desalination plants, airports, and diplomatic premises in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and beyond.
“Such attacks could not be justified under any pretext or in any manner whatsoever,” the joint statement said.
Right to Defend, Call for De-escalation
Reaffirming their stance, the ministers emphasized that affected nations retain the right to defend themselves under international law, particularly Article 51 of the UN Charter. At the same time, they urged Tehran to immediately cease hostilities and adhere to international law and humanitarian norms.
The ministers “called on Iran to immediately halt its attacks” and stressed the importance of “respecting international law, international humanitarian law, and the principles of good neighborliness.”
They added that future relations with Iran would hinge on respect for sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and an end to threats posed by its military capabilities.
The group also urged Iran to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), which mandates an immediate cessation of attacks and prohibits provocative actions against neighboring states.
The statement further accused Iran of supporting and arming affiliated militias in Arab countries, warning that such actions undermine regional stability.
Joint Statement Issued by the Consultative Ministerial Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of a Group of Arab and Islamic Countries Regarding the Iranian Attacks
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) March 19, 2026
Riyadh | 19 March 2026
Their Highnesses and Excellencies the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, The… pic.twitter.com/Eik3eqtdlA
In a critical maritime warning, the ministers stressed the need to avoid any disruption to global shipping routes, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab.
The ministers reiterated support for Lebanon's sovereignty and the Lebanese government's efforts to restrict weapons to state control. They also condemned Israel's actions in Lebanon, citing concerns over regional escalation.
The coalition affirmed it would maintain close coordination and consultations to monitor developments and take “necessary legitimate measures” to safeguard regional security and stability.
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.
