The Gulf Cooperation Council affirms support for Yemen’s unity and sovereignty, calling for the classification of Houthi militias as a terrorist group.

Gulf Cooperation Council Affirms Support for Yemen’s Sovereignty and Calls for Houthi Designation as Terrorist Group

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) reaffirmed the sovereignty of the Republic of Yemen and the unity of its territory. The council urged the United Nations Security Council to implement its resolutions regarding Yemen and the rebellion of the Iran-backed Houthi militia.

GCC Ministerial Council Meeting

During the 168th session of the GCC Ministerial Council, held in Manama, Bahrain, and chaired by Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, the council called for classifying the Houthi militia as a terrorist organization. It emphasized the need to treat the group similarly to how the international community addresses terrorist organizations that threaten security, peace, development, and prosperity. The council also urged an end to all support that enables the Houthis to acquire missiles and drones.

Support for Political Solutions

The final statement from the ministerial council highlighted support for efforts aimed at achieving a political solution to the Yemeni crisis through dialogue and understanding. This approach aligns with the three reference points: the outcomes of the comprehensive Yemeni National Dialogue, the Gulf Initiative, and relevant Security Council resolutions. The goal is to fulfill the Yemeni people’s aspirations for peace, security, and stability.

Implementation of Security Council Resolutions

The ministerial council stressed the necessity of implementing international Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 2216 (2015) under Chapter VII of the UN Charter and Resolution 2722 (2024) concerning attacks on ships in the Red Sea. The council called on the United Nations and the international community to ensure strict enforcement of the arms embargo against the Houthi militia as outlined in these resolutions. It urged the Security Council and its permanent members to fulfill their responsibilities in maintaining international peace and security and to address maritime and aerial navigation as a shared international interest that cannot tolerate selectivity.

Condemnation of Houthi Attacks

The council condemned, in the strongest terms, the ongoing attacks by the Houthi militia against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These attacks include targeting the holy sites and surrounding areas, as well as assaults on civilian airports and vital facilities, resulting in civilian casualties and injuries. Such actions represent a blatant violation of international law and humanitarian law. The council expressed its sincere condolences to the victims’ families and wished for a swift recovery for the injured.

Solidarity with Saudi Arabia

The council reaffirmed the complete solidarity of its member states with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, standing united in support of all measures taken to preserve its sovereignty and protect its security and interests. It emphasized that the security of GCC states is indivisible, and any aggression against one member state constitutes a direct attack on all member states.

Right to Self-Defense

The council reiterated the right of its member states to defend themselves, both individually and collectively, in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter. It affirmed the necessity of taking all necessary measures to protect their citizens and residents, ensuring their sovereignty, security, stability, and interests.

Support for UN Security Council Presidential Statement

The ministerial council welcomed the presidential statement adopted by the UN Security Council by consensus on October 15, 2026, which condemned the ongoing Houthi attacks on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including targeting Aramco facilities. The statement affirmed Saudi Arabia’s right to defend itself under international law and condemned the attacks and threats against commercial navigation in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait. It stressed the full implementation of the arms embargo imposed under Resolution 2216 (2015).

Condemnation of Iranian Attacks

The ministerial council expressed its condemnation of the continued Iranian attacks using missiles and drones against GCC states and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, either directly or through regional proxies. These attacks targeted civilian facilities, service sites, residential areas, and diplomatic missions, causing significant material damage and posing a threat to the safety of citizens and residents.

Responsibility for Iranian Aggression

The ministerial council held Iran fully responsible for these attacks and their consequences. It rejected all claims made by Iran to justify its actions and called for an immediate and unconditional cessation of all aggressions, provocations, and threats, demanding full compliance with Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026).

Call for International Accountability

The council urged the Security Council and the international community to assume their responsibilities and take necessary actions to ensure full compliance with the resolution. It called for holding accountable those responsible for these attacks and requiring Iran to compensate for all damages resulting from them, in accordance with Human Rights Council Resolution 61/1 (2026).

Importance of Maritime Security

In its final statement, the ministerial council emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, and the Red Sea are vital waterways whose importance extends beyond the region. They represent key arteries for the global economy. Ensuring their security, safety, and freedom of navigation is a shared international responsibility.

The council stressed that closing these waterways, obstructing navigation, targeting commercial vessels and their crews, laying mines, or imposing unlawful fees or restrictions on passage poses a threat to international peace and security. Such actions endanger global energy, food, medicine supplies, and trade.

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