GCC Calls for Houthi Terrorist Designation, Reaffirms Yemen's Sovereignty

The Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has called for the designation of the Houthi militia as a terrorist group and demanded an end to all support enabling their acquisition of missiles and drones. The council strongly condemned the militia's persistent attacks on Saudi Arabia, including targeting holy sites, civilian airports, and vital infrastructure.

In its concluding statement from the 168th session held in Manama, Bahrain, the GCC affirmed its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia, standing united in supporting the Kingdom's measures to protect its sovereignty, security, and interests. The council emphasized the indivisibility of GCC security, stating that any aggression against one member state constitutes an aggression against all.

The council urged the United Nations and the international community to ensure the complete implementation of the arms embargo against the Houthi militia, in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2216 (2015) under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, and Resolution 2722 (2024) concerning attacks on vessels in the Red Sea.

The statement welcomed the Presidential Statement adopted by the UN Security Council on October 15, which condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including targeting Aramco facilities, and affirmed the Kingdom's right to self-defense under international law. It also condemned the attacks and threats against commercial navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Regarding Yemen, the GCC reiterated its commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Yemen. It expressed support for efforts to achieve a political solution to the crisis, based on the three references: the GCC initiative, the outcomes of the National Dialogue Conference, and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, aiming to fulfill the Yemeni people's aspirations for peace, security, and stability.

In a related matter, the council condemned Iran's missile and drone attacks on GCC states and Jordan, whether direct or through its regional proxies. The GCC held Iran fully responsible for these attacks and their repercussions, demanding their immediate and unconditional cessation and adherence to UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026).

The statement underscored the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, and the Red Sea as vital conduits for the global economy and supplies of energy, food, and medicine, rejecting any closure, obstruction of navigation, or imposition of illegitimate restrictions on commercial shipping.

The Ministerial Council called for a return to dialogue and diplomacy to overcome the current crisis, stressing that any understanding with Iran must encompass its nuclear program, missile and drone capabilities, and support for armed groups in the region. It also called for the inclusion of GCC states in any negotiations or arrangements that affect their security and interests.