Riyadh, March 19 — Foreign ministers from key Arab and Islamic states met in Riyadh to consult on recent Iranian strikes, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry said. Attendees included ministers from Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Türkiye and the UAE.
The ministers urged Tehran to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), which calls for an immediate end to all attacks, an unconditional cessation of provocative acts or threats against neighbouring states, and a halt to support, financing and arming of militias operating in Arab countries. They also demanded that Iran refrain from actions that could close or obstruct international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz or threaten maritime security in Bab al‑Mandab.
Delegates condemned Iranian strikes on Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Jordan, Azerbaijan and Türkiye, criticizing the deliberate use of ballistic missiles and drones against residential areas and civilian infrastructure. Cited targets included oil facilities, desalination plants, airports, residential buildings and diplomatic premises. The ministers said such attacks are unjustifiable under any pretext and reaffirmed the right of states to self‑defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
They called on Iran to immediately stop its attacks and to respect international law, including international humanitarian law, and the principles of good neighbourliness as a first step toward de‑escalation, regional security and stability. The ministers stressed that future relations with Iran will depend on Tehran’s respect for state sovereignty, non‑interference in internal affairs, and refraining from using or developing military capabilities that threaten neighbouring countries.
The gathering also expressed support for Lebanon’s security, stability and territorial integrity and condemned what they described as Israel’s aggression against the country. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to continued consultation and coordination to track developments, formulate common positions and adopt necessary, legitimate measures to protect their security, stability and sovereignty and to halt what they called Iranian “heinous attacks” on their territories.
The consultations took place amid a widening conflict in West Asia now in its third week, with intensified strikes by both US‑Israel and Iranian forces. On Wednesday night, Iran retaliated after an Israeli strike hit the South Pars gas field by launching missiles at targets in Qatar.
Qatar said ballistic missiles struck Ras Laffan Industrial City, the world’s largest liquefaction facility, causing extensive damage. The Qatari Ministry of Defence reported the strikes, while the Ministry of Interior said a large industrial fire was contained and no casualties were reported. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry declared the Iranian military and security attaches persona non grata and ordered them and their staff to leave the country within 24 hours.
(This article is based on a syndicated feed and was published as received.)
