RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Foreign ministers from a coalition of Arab and Islamic countries have issued a strong joint condemnation of recent Iranian attacks, calling for an immediate halt to hostilities and adherence to international law.
The statement, released after a consultative ministerial meeting in Riyadh on March 18, brought together top diplomats from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Türkiye, and several other states.
The ministers condemned what they described as “deliberate attacks” by Iran involving ballistic missiles and drones targeting civilian infrastructure, including residential areas, oil facilities, airports, desalination plants, and diplomatic premises across multiple countries.
“The attacks cannot be justified under any pretext,” the joint statement said, underscoring growing regional concern over escalating tensions.
The ministers affirmed the right of affected states to self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, while urging Iran to immediately cease hostilities and respect international law and principles of good neighbourliness.
They also referenced United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), which calls for an immediate cessation of attacks and prohibits provocative actions that threaten regional stability.
The statement warned against any attempts to disrupt global maritime routes, particularly in strategic waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, both critical for international oil shipments and trade.
In addition to addressing the Iranian attacks, the ministers reiterated support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon, backing efforts by the Lebanese government to consolidate control over weapons within the state.
The group also condemned Israeli military actions in Lebanon, highlighting broader regional tensions and the interconnected nature of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
The ministers emphasized the importance of diplomacy as the primary means of resolving disputes, while committing to continued coordination to safeguard regional security and stability.
The meeting concluded with a pledge by participating states to maintain close consultations and adopt necessary measures to protect their sovereignty while working toward de-escalation and long-term peace in the region.
