Foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the United Kingdom condemned Iranian attacks on GCC countries and Jordan during an extraordinary meeting on March 12, calling on Tehran to halt all strikes and refrain from provocative threats unconditionally, according to a joint statement published on March 16.

The meeting took place as Iran's retaliatory missile and drone campaign against Gulf states hosting US military assets has killed civilians, damaged oil facilities and disrupted shipping and aviation across the region since the war began on February 28.

The GCC delegation was led by Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al-Zayani, while UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper headed the British side.

The ministers welcomed the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which condemned Iranian attacks on GCC states and Jordan as violations of international law. The resolution specifically cited strikes on residential areas, oil facilities and civilian infrastructure that caused casualties and damage. A total of 136 UN member states backed the resolution.

The statement reaffirmed GCC states' right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter and their right to take all necessary measures to protect their territories, citizens and residents.

The ministers stressed that GCC territories would not be used to launch attacks against Iran, while highlighting diplomatic efforts undertaken by Gulf states before the conflict escalated. They praised Oman's constructive role in mediation efforts.

The statement called on Iran to curb its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes and cease activities that destabilise the region.

The ministers also emphasised the need to protect regional airspace, maritime routes and freedom of navigation, noting that Resolution 2817 condemned any Iranian actions threatening shipping through the Strait of Hormuz or the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

The UK's recent deployment of Royal Air Force Typhoon aircraft in defensive operations in the region was welcomed by the GCC side, Saudi Gazette reported.