Gulf States Condemn Iranian Attacks as Regional Tensions Escalate
DUBAI-Gulf Arab states and regional governments on Wednesday strongly condemned Iran’s latest missile and drone attacks on Kuwait, Bahrain and commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, warning that the assaults threatened regional security and undermined ongoing diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions.
Kuwait denounced the attacks, describing Iran’s military actions as a continuation of what it called “brazen aggressions” that had disrupted regional and international efforts aimed at de-escalation. In a statement, Kuwait’s foreign ministry said the country’s security, sovereignty and the safety of its citizens and residents were a “red line” that could not be crossed.
Jordan also condemned what it described as Iranian attacks against Kuwait, calling them a violation of the Gulf state’s sovereignty and a threat to its security and stability. Amman said the strikes represented a dangerous escalation and breached international law and the United Nations Charter.
Qatar issued a separate condemnation of the repeated Iranian attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait. Doha’s foreign ministry stressed the importance of pursuing dialogue, diplomacy and de-escalation, urging all parties to build on the gains achieved under the memorandum of understanding aimed at reducing regional tensions and strengthening security and stability.
Egypt likewise condemned the repeated Iranian attacks on Kuwait, Bahrain and other Gulf states, describing them as a blatant violation of their sovereignty and a serious threat to Gulf security. In a statement, Cairo reaffirmed its rejection of actions that undermine the security of regional states and renewed its call for restraint to preserve peace and stability.
Oman also criticized the attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, warning that the military escalation endangered regional security and maritime safety. Muscat rejected actions targeting civilian and commercial vessels and called for full implementation of agreements reached by the parties alongside renewed efforts to ease tensions.
The latest regional reaction followed claims by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps that it had carried out a joint missile and drone operation targeting Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait and other key U.S. military facilities in Bahrain. The IRGC said the attacks were conducted in retaliation for U.S. military strikes inside Iran.
Earlier on Wednesday, the United States launched a new wave of airstrikes against targets in Iran, saying the action came in response to attacks on tankers operating in the Strait of Hormuz.
Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the president of the United Arab Emirates, said Iran’s attacks on commercial tankers linked to Qatar and Saudi Arabia, as well as repeated strikes against Bahrain and Kuwait, demonstrated that Tehran had failed to commit to de-escalation.
In a social media post, Gargash said Gulf Arab states could not continue to face repeated threats while Iran alternated between military escalation and calls for stability.
China also expressed concern over the rapidly deteriorating situation. Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning urged both Washington and Tehran to avoid reigniting the conflict, saying renewed warfare served neither side’s interests and that military action could not resolve the underlying disputes.
Beijing called for dialogue and restraint after the latest U.S. strikes, adding to growing international appeals for diplomatic engagement as tensions continue to rise across the Gulf.
