ISTANBUL 

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the UK called Sunday for confronting any Iranian threats aimed at disrupting international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and threatening maritime security in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

The joint statement was issued following a meeting Friday between GCC foreign ministers and British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper regarding Iranian attacks targeting Gulf states.

The statement stressed the need to protect regional airspace and ensure freedom of navigation against any threats that could obstruct international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz or endanger maritime security in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

It said security and stability in the Gulf region are “fundamental pillars of global economic stability” and closely linked to the security of the UK and international security.

The ministers also affirmed that GCC countries have the right to take all necessary measures individually and collectively to defend their security, stability and territories against Iranian attacks.

At the same time, they reiterated their firm commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as the means to resolve the current crisis, praising the constructive role played by Oman in mediation efforts between Iran and the US and stressing the need to restore regional stability and security.

On Saturday, a spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Ebrahim Zolfaghari, accused the US and Israel of carrying out attacks on unlawful targets in the region using the Lucas drone, an imitation of Iran’s Shahed‑136 drone.

According to the semi-official Fars news agency, Zolfaghari said the purpose of the attacks was to provoke conflict and division between Iran and neighboring countries.

However, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Sunday denied Iran’s claim that Washington uses one-way attack drones against Gulf states, blaming Tehran for the attacks.

Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz since March 1 following the launch of joint attacks by Israel and the US against Iran on Feb. 28, which have so far killed over 1,200 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Hostilities have since escalated.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel along with Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries, which it says are targeting US military assets.

*Writing by Mohammad Sio in Istanbul