Foreign ministers from 12 Arab and Islamic states convened this week to address escalating regional tensions, urging Iran to halt military actions while condemning Israel's expansionist policies. The March 18 meeting followed months of heightened conflict sparked by February's US-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets and subsequent retaliations across the Middle East.
In a joint statement released Thursday, officials from Bahrain, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Lebanon demanded Iran immediately cease attacks that threaten international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. They emphasized respect for sovereignty and non-interference principles as prerequisites for normalized relations with Tehran.
The ministers simultaneously criticized Israel's military actions in Lebanon, labeling them as destabilizing to regional security. They reaffirmed support for Lebanon's territorial integrity and endorsed its government's efforts to maintain a state monopoly on weapons.
This diplomatic push comes as Middle Eastern nations seek to balance security concerns with economic stability. Analysts note the coordinated stance reflects growing urgency among Gulf states to protect trade routes and foreign investments critical to their post-oil diversification plans.
The group pledged continued consultation through 2026, with plans to develop joint measures protecting member states' sovereignty. Their approach underscores a shift toward regional solutions amid complex geopolitical rivalries and fluctuating international engagement.
