A Rare Regional Front: Arab and Muslim States Draw a Red Line on Iran

Arab states sent Tehran a tough message on Thursday, issuing a joint statement after a foreign ministers' meeting in Riyadh that sharply condemns the series of attacks attributed to Iran since the launch of Operation "Lion's Roar." The declaration—signed by a lineup of countries including Qatar, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates—signals a rare regional convergence against Iranian activity.

During the talks, the ministers reviewed the fallout from the missile and drone strikes, which reportedly hit sensitive targets across the region. They noted that the attacks were aimed not only at diplomatic missions, but also at essential civilian infrastructure—desalination plants, airports, and residential buildings. The ministers stressed that "these actions are not justified under any circumstances," and called on Iran to immediately halt its aggressive activities.

Alongside the condemnation, the participants emphasized that the targeted countries have a full right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter. The statement also urged all sides to avoid disrupting ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab. 

Additionally, a dedicated section addressed the situation in Lebanon, where the ministers voiced support for the country's sovereignty and urged its government to assert authority so that the possession of weapons is limited to state entities alone—a clear reference aimed at Hezbollah.

Meanwhile, the Gulf states called for an emergency session of the UN Human Rights Council following attacks on civilians and energy infrastructure. Documents reviewed by Reuters describe the strikes on Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates as "a situation of deep concern for international peace and security," with severe implications for human rights.