Arab & Islamic Foreign Ministers Conclude Riyadh Meeting

Foreign ministers from Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates concluded a consultative ministerial meeting in Riyadh on March 18th, 2026, issuing a joint statement addressing the ongoing escalation involving Iran.

During the meeting, participants condemned Iran’s use of ballistic missiles and drones targeting Gulf Cooperation Council countries, as well as Jordan, Azerbaijan, and Türkiye. The attacks were described as deliberate strikes on civilian infrastructure, including oil facilities, desalination plants, airports, residential areas, and diplomatic missions.

Ministers stated that such actions cannot be justified under any circumstances, reaffirming the right of affected states to self-defence in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.

The joint statement called on Iran to immediately cease its attacks, adhere to international and humanitarian law, and commit to de-escalation as a pathway toward regional stability. Participants also stressed that future relations depend on respect for sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and refraining from threats or aggression.

According to details outlined in the statement, ministers further urged compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817, warning against actions that could threaten maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb.

They also reaffirmed support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and stability, while condemning Israel’s continued aggression in the region.

The meeting follows the escalation that began on February 28th, 2026, when the United States and Israel launched an attack on Iran, prompting retaliatory strikes across the region. On March 11th, 2026, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2817, condemning the attacks on Gulf states and Jordan and calling for an immediate halt to the strikes.