Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jassem Al-Budaiwi, condemned “in the strongest terms” the attacks launched by Iran targeting the Kingdom of Bahrain and the State of Kuwait using ballistic missiles and drones.
In an official statement, Al-Budaiwi described these attacks as “treacherous terrorist attacks.” He also affirmed that they represent a direct threat to the security, stability, and safety of citizens and residents in both countries.
Violation of international law
Al-Badawi pointed out that this Iranian escalation constitutes a clear violation of international law and the UN Charter. He also stressed that the continuation of these attacks at this sensitive time undermines all international and regional efforts aimed at establishing security and peace in the region. The statement further affirmed the GCC’s full and unequivocal support for all measures taken by Manama and Kuwait to enhance their security, safeguard their sovereignty, and protect their citizens and residents.
Air defenses countered and field preparedness
On the ground, the Gulf region is experiencing escalating tensions following the collapse of the interim agreement aimed at ending a four-month-long war. The Kuwaiti military issued an urgent statement announcing that its air defense systems are currently engaging in intense hostile attacks launched by Tehran using ballistic missiles and drones. The Kuwaiti General Staff reassured citizens that any explosions heard throughout the country are the result of air defense interceptions of hostile targets. It urged everyone to fully comply with the security and safety instructions issued by official authorities.
In parallel, the Bahraini Ministry of Interior announced a state of security alert, sounding sirens as a precautionary measure. The Ministry also urged citizens and residents to remain calm and immediately proceed to the nearest shelters or safe locations. Furthermore, it stressed the importance of obtaining information only from official and accredited channels and ignoring rumors intended to incite panic during these exceptional circumstances.
This escalation comes at a time when Tehran and Washington are exchanging accusations of violating the agreement that was signed less than two weeks ago. This returns the area to square zero. It also increases concerns about the fate of maritime navigation and energy security in the most important waterway in the world, with the absence of any real indications of an approaching calm in light of the parties’ insistence on continuing military operations.
