GCC foreign ministers condemn Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, call for dialogue with Iran

Middle East, News October 19, 2026 , by IRIA Comments Off

5 minute read

Foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) met in Bahrain on October 18, 2026, for the 168th ministerial summit. The ministers reaffirmed solidarity with Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks and called for dialogue to ease tensions between the United States and Iran.

In its final joint statement, the council declared its full support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, security and national interests, emphasizing the unity of GCC members in backing the kingdom. It also backed measures Riyadh took to safeguard its territory and protect its security.

The GCC’s support for Saudi Arabia reflects shared concerns over regional security and the potential for attacks on the kingdom to affect stability across the Gulf.

The statement underscored the importance of cooperation among Gulf states as they confront shared security concerns. Saudi Arabia’s position remains central to regional stability, given its strategic importance and the risks that attacks on its territory could pose to the wider Gulf region.

The ministers also reaffirmed their support for Yemen’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling for a political settlement based on dialogue and established diplomatic frameworks. These include the GCC Initiative, the outcomes of Yemen’s National Dialogue Conference and relevant United Nations resolutions.

During a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Manama on October 18, GCC foreign ministers urged Moscow to use its position on the UN Security Council to press Iran to halt attacks on Gulf states.

GCC Secretary General Jasem Al Budaiwi called on Moscow to “play an active role in pressing Tehran” to comply with UN resolutions, cease its attacks and engage in “serious dialogue” with Gulf countries. The appeal came amid concerns over regional security, threats to shipping and risks to energy supplies.

GCC Calls for Dialogue on US-Iran Tensions

The council reiterated its support for mediation efforts aimed at reaching a political solution between Washington and Tehran. It warned against further regional tensions and instability, emphasizing diplomacy as the preferred route to addressing disputes.

The ministers said any agreement with Iran should address concerns over its nuclear and missile programs, drone capabilities, and support for regional proxy groups. They also stressed that GCC countries must be involved in negotiations that could affect their security and national interests.

*^{GCC foreign ministers during the 168th GCC Ministerial Council meeting in Manama, Bahrain, on October 18, 2026. (Image Credit: GCC Secretariat General)}*

The position reflects the Gulf states’ concern that an agreement focused narrowly on relations between Washington and Tehran could leave regional security issues unresolved. By calling for their participation, the council sought to ensure that Gulf countries have a role in discussions with direct implications for their stability.

Ministers Stress Freedom of Navigation

Maritime security was another major issue addressed at the meeting. The GCC emphasized that freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, Bab al-Mandeb and the Red Sea is a shared international interest and responsibility.

The council rejected restrictions on maritime traffic and called for a return to conditions in the Strait of Hormuz that existed before February 28, 2026. It did not, in the statement provided, outline specific measures for achieving that return.

The three waterways are important to international shipping and regional trade. The Strait of Hormuz is a major route for global energy shipments, while Bab al-Mandeb connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the wider Indian Ocean. Disruptions in these corridors can affect commercial shipping, energy markets and the movement of goods.

GCC and Russia Discuss Regional Security

On the same day, GCC foreign ministers held a strategic dialogue with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Manama. The ninth Russia-GCC Strategic Dialogue at the foreign minister level focused on strengthening relations, developing the strategic partnership and increasing consultation on regional and international issues.

The participants discussed diplomatic efforts to promote peace and maintain freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb. They also reviewed cooperation aimed at supporting regional security, stability and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

The dialogue provided an additional forum for the GCC and Russia to discuss regional security and diplomatic efforts to preserve freedom of navigation through key maritime routes.

GCC foreign ministers with Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov during the 9th Joint Ministerial Meeting of the Strategic Dialogue between the GCC and the Russian Federation. — ^{GCC foreign ministers with Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov during the 9th Joint Ministerial Meeting of the Strategic Dialogue between the GCC and the Russian Federation, on October 18, 2026. (Image Credit: GCC Secretariat General)}

Lavrov arrived in Bahrain on Saturday ahead of the meeting. The previous Russia-GCC Strategic Dialogue was held in Sochi, Russia, in September 2025.

Saudi and Russian Foreign Ministers Hold Talks

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the GCC meetings in Manama. Their discussions covered bilateral relations, developments in Yemen, threats to maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb, and efforts to preserve regional security and stability.

The talks highlighted the importance of bilateral coordination as Saudi Arabia and Russia addressed regional developments and security concerns affecting the Gulf and surrounding maritime routes.

Alongside the security and diplomatic meetings, Qatar participated in the 30th meeting of the GCC Ministerial Committee for Post and Telecommunications in Bahrain. The delegation was led by Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai.

The committee reviewed recommendations from a meeting of GCC telecommunications and postal undersecretaries held in September. The agenda covered telecommunications laws and regulations, internet-based applications and services, roaming, space-related issues and postal services. Ministers also reviewed progress on the sector’s action plan, performance indicators and international cooperation.

Al Mannai stressed the need for continued coordination among GCC members as technological developments create new demands for regulation, infrastructure and service delivery. He also highlighted the importance of sharing expertise and advancing joint initiatives to strengthen regional integration and improve services.

On the sidelines, Al Mannai met Saudi Communications and Information Technology Minister Abdullah Alswaha to discuss bilateral cooperation and closer coordination in communications and information technology.