DOHA — The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) held an emergency ministerial meeting in Doha on Tuesday to address the Iranian missile strike targeting a military base in Qatar, condemning the attack as a serious violation of international law and the Qatari sovereignty. Chaired by Kuwait's Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, the 49th extraordinary session of the GCC Ministerial Council brought together foreign ministers from all six member states, including Saudi Arabia's Prince Faisal bin Farhan, UAE's Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Bahrain's Dr. Abdullatif Al Zayani, Oman's Sayyid Badr Al Busaidi, Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and GCC Secretary General Jassim Albudaiwi. In a joint statement, the Council expressed its full solidarity with Qatar, denouncing the Iranian attack as "a flagrant and unacceptable violation of Qatari sovereignty, airspace, international law, and the UN Charter." The ministers reaffirmed that any threat to a member state is a threat to the entire bloc, and praised the Qatari Armed Forces for their successful interception of the missiles. The Council also condemned Israel's ongoing military operations in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded access for humanitarian organizations. It urged a return to serious negotiations to halt hostilities and deliver aid to civilians. The ministers welcomed the announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, praising the roles of Qatar, Oman, the U.S., and other parties in mediating de-escalation. They called on all sides to seize the moment to pursue diplomacy and avoid further conflict. The Council reiterated its commitment to the GCC's 2024 vision for regional security, which prioritizes dialogue and diplomacy as the only path to peace. It warned that any escalation risks catastrophic consequences for international peace and security. The foreign ministers also emphasized the importance of protecting airspace, maritime security, trade routes, and energy infrastructure in the region, and reaffirmed the Gulf states' commitment to the stability of global energy markets.
