Arab and Islamic Foreign Ministers Condemn Iranian Aggression, Demand Immediate Halt

Ministers of Foreign Affairs from twelve Arab and Islamic nations convened in Riyadh on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, to issue a joint communiqué unequivocally condemning recent Iranian aggressions against regional states.

The participating nations included the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the State of Kuwait, the Lebanese Republic, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the State of Qatar, the Syrian Arab Republic, the Republic of Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. The ministers deliberated on the Iranian attacks targeting the Gulf Cooperation Council states, Jordan, Azerbaijan, and Turkey.

The ministers affirmed their absolute condemnation and denunciation of these deliberate assaults, which involved the use of ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. They noted that these attacks targeted civilian residential areas and vital infrastructure, including oil facilities, water desalination plants, airports, and diplomatic missions. The attendees unanimously agreed that such actions are unjustifiable under any pretext, reaffirming the inherent right of states to self-defense in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.

The joint statement demanded that Iran immediately cease its aggression and strictly adhere to international law, international humanitarian law, and the principles of good neighborliness. This cessation was identified as the prerequisite step toward de-escalation, achieving regional stability, and activating diplomacy as the avenue for crisis resolution.

Furthermore, the ministers emphasized that the future trajectory of relations with Tehran hinges upon Iran respecting the sovereignty of neighboring states, refraining from interference in their internal affairs, and ceasing the utilization of military capabilities to threaten neighboring nations. They also underscored the necessity for Iran to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), halt the funding, arming, and support of its affiliated militias in Arab nations, and abstain from any threats intended to disrupt international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz or jeopardize maritime security in the Bab el-Mandeb strait.

In a related context, the gathering reiterated its support for the security, stability, and territorial integrity of Lebanon, endorsing the Lebanese government's decision to confine arms solely to the state’s control. Concurrently, they condemned Israeli aggression and expansionist policies in the region. The ministers concluded by affirming their commitment to maintaining intensive consultations to assess developments and determine the necessary legitimate measures required to safeguard the security, stability, and sovereignty of their respective nations and to halt Iranian aggressions.