Arab and Muslim Ministers Discuss Iran at Riyadh Meeting

Foreign Ministers Gather in Saudi Arabia to Discuss Iran’s Retaliation

A meeting of foreign ministers from Arab and Muslim countries took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday. The gathering aimed to address Iran’s recent attacks on energy facilities across the region. Iranian strikes targeted several locations in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, following Israel’s strike on the South Pars gasfield.

The meeting brought together representatives from 12 countries, including Qatar, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. The foreign ministers issued a joint statement, asserting their right to self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.

The statement condemned “deliberate Iranian attacks” using ballistic missiles and drones that have struck various targets, including residential areas, water desalination plants, oil facilities, airports, and diplomatic positions. The foreign ministers called on Iran to cease its actions.

In addition to condemning Iranian aggression, the meeting also addressed Israeli attacks on Lebanon and described Israel’s expansionist policies in the region as a concern. Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud stated that his country has “very significant capacities and capabilities” that could be used to address the situation, should necessary action be taken.

The joint statement did not provide details on how countries would follow up on their collective response. The meeting’s outcome was seen as a unified stance against Iran’s increasing unpredictability. Saudi Arabia’s relations with Iran have historically been strained, but the two countries had recently engaged in a Beijing-brokered rapprochement.

Source: Al Jazeera