Gulf states ready for ‘self defense’ against Iran as war stance shifts

Gulf states issued a joint statement on Thursday condemning Iran’s “blatant” and “criminal” attacks on energy infrastructures and signaling their readiness to take action in “self-defense” in the future.

Gulf countries emphasized that the attacks launched from Iraqi territory by armed groups and proxies loyal to Iran constitute a special grievance and violation of international law.

In a joint statement made by the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Jordan on Thursday, “While we value our brotherly relations with the Republic of Iraq, we call on the Iraqi government to take the necessary measures to immediately stop attacks against neighboring countries.” The statement was included.

According to the statement, such attacks must end “to preserve brotherly relations and prevent further escalation.”

Gulf states reaffirmed their “full and natural right to self-defense against these criminal attacks” under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which guarantees the right of states to individual and collective self-defense in the event of attack.

They also reserved the right “to take any necessary measures to protect our sovereignty, security and stability.”

Iran’s Gulf neighbors have been repeatedly targeted and hit by Iranian drones and missiles as part of the Islamic Republic’s retaliatory strikes against US and Israeli bombardment since late February.

Attacks were launched both from within Iran and by allied forces Groups loyal to the regimedamaged oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals, causing costly repairs that in some cases lasted several years.

This is not the first time Gulf countries have issued strongly worded statements condemning Iran’s attacks on energy infrastructure and facilities. These attacks are seen as part of Tehran’s strategy to persuade its neighbors, the United States and Israel, to halt their military operations.

But the joint statement and talk of “self-defense” signal a change in tone from Iran’s Gulf neighbors, who have encouraged de-escalation and have so far adopted a more neutral and conciliatory stance on the US-Israeli war.

Iran both apologized for the attacks on its neighbors and justified the attacks by saying that US military bases in neighboring regions were “legitimate” targets.

There are strong signs that the Gulf’s collective patience is running out. Gulf officials warned “a price must be paid“Because of the attacks that have disrupted the Gulf’s economic development for years and damaged the region’s reputation as a safe haven for business and tourism.

Over the past 24 hours, regional powers, particularly the UAE, have signaled a hardening of their stance towards Iran despite the White House’s apparent efforts to find a way out of the conflict, and have touted peace talks with the Islamic Republic, denying that negotiations are taking place.

UAE Ambassador to the US Yousef Al Otaiba said in an opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal that “a simple ceasefire is not enough” when it comes to unsanctioned peace talks between Tehran and Washington through intermediaries.

Sultan Al Jaber, chief executive of the UAE’s state-owned oil company, said in a speech at the Middle East Institute in Washington that Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz amounted to “usurpation on a global scale”.

CNBC has requested further comment from some Gulf countries and is awaiting a response.