19.03.2026 13:55
Twelve countries, including Turkey, issued a joint statement condemning Iran's attacks on regional countries and called for an immediate cessation of military actions. On the other hand, according to information reflected from the meeting, Turkey added sections criticizing Israel to the accepted joint statement. It was ensured that Israel's expansionist policies were pointed out as the real culprit of the war.
The foreign ministers of Turkey, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), who came together in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, held a consultation meeting regarding Iran's attacks.
A JOINT STATEMENT WAS PUBLISHED
In the joint statement published after the meeting, Iran's attacks on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, as well as Jordan, Azerbaijan, and Turkey, using ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were condemned. It was emphasized that the deliberate targeting of residential areas, housing buildings, diplomatic missions, civilian infrastructure, oil facilities, desalination plants, and airports cannot be justified under any pretext, and it was reminded that states have the right to self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations (UN) Charter.
THE IMPORTANCE OF DIPLOMACY WAS HIGHLIGHTED
The statement called for Iran to immediately cease its attacks as the first step towards resolving the crisis through diplomacy and ensuring stability in the region; and to respect international law, international humanitarian law, and the principles of good neighborliness. It was emphasized that the future of relations with Iran depends on respecting the sovereignty of countries, non-interference in internal affairs, avoiding territorial violations, and not using military capabilities in a way that threatens the region.
WARNING TO IRAN REGARDING THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ
It was stressed that the Tehran administration must fully implement UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), which calls for the cessation of support, financing, and arming of connected militias in the region to serve its own goals against the interests of Arab countries. Additionally, it was requested to refrain from any steps that would obstruct international maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz or jeopardize maritime security in Bab al-Mandab.
ISRAEL'S ATTACKS ON LEBANON WERE CONDEMNED
The statement, which also addressed other developments in the region, reiterated support for Lebanon's security, stability, and territorial integrity, and endorsed the decision to ensure the sovereignty of the Lebanese state is effectively established across all territories and that weapons are under the control of the state only. The joint text also condemned Israel's aggression towards Lebanon and its expansionist policies in the region. The ministers stated that consultations and coordination would be resolutely continued to monitor developments, protect their countries' security, stability, and sovereignty, and take necessary legitimate steps to stop Iran's attacks on their territories.
NOTES FROM THE CRITICAL MEETING
- The purpose of the meeting was to discuss Iran's attacks on Gulf countries. Attacks on Iran by the US and Israel were not the subject of the meeting.
- Prior to the meeting, attacks on Riyadh further unsettled the Gulf countries.
- The Gulf countries are disturbed by Iran's desire to use them as a tool of blackmail against the US. Turkey has stated on every platform and every occasion that Israel is the main culprit of the ongoing crisis.
- Turkey added the sections criticizing Israel to the accepted statement. It was ensured that Israel's expansionist policies were pointed out as the real culprit of the war.
- Turkey has a calm and prudent policy regarding Iran. Despite missiles fired from Iran, Turkey maintained its composure.