Gulf foreign ministers emphasized on Thursday that addressing Iran's proxies and missiles is crucial for achieving lasting peace in the region. They also stated that any trade and investment with Tehran would be reversible and conditional on Iran adhering to its agreement with the United States.
Joint Statement After Meeting with Rubio
In a joint statement following a meeting co-chaired by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the ministers said: “The Ministers further emphasized that lasting regional peace and security requires addressing the full spectrum of Iran’s threats, including its ballistic missiles, drones, and support of proxies in the region.”
The statement also highlighted that “any trade and investment with Iran is conditional and reversible, contingent on Iran’s compliance with the MOU and the final agreement, cessation of its destabilizing behavior, and creation of the conditions necessary for economic engagement.”
Context of the Meeting
The meeting took place in Manama, Bahrain, bringing together foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states. The discussions focused on regional security and the need for a comprehensive approach to counter Iran's destabilizing activities.
Implications for Regional Security
The ministers' remarks underscore the Gulf states' concerns over Iran's missile program and its support for proxy groups across the Middle East. The conditional nature of trade and investment aims to pressure Tehran into compliance with international agreements and cessation of activities deemed threatening to regional stability.
