The United States and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states held a high-level ministerial meeting on September 25, 2024, in New York. The session was co-chaired by U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, who also serves as the current chairman of the GCC Ministerial Council. Senior officials from GCC member countries and GCC Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi were also in attendance.
The meeting reaffirmed the strong and enduring strategic partnership between the U.S. and the GCC, building on the achievements of previous ministerial meetings, including one held in Riyadh earlier in 2024. The ministers committed to further enhancing consultation, coordination, and cooperation across various fields.
Addressing Regional Security and Iran’s Activities
The ministers expressed deep concern over escalating tensions in the region, emphasizing the negative impact on regional security and stability. They stressed the importance of upholding international law, including the United Nations Charter, and respecting the sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity of states.
A major focus of the meeting was Iran’s regional activities, particularly its proliferation of advanced ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which pose a threat to regional security and undermine international peace. The ministers reiterated their commitment to addressing these challenges collectively and urged Iran to cease its support for non-state actors seeking to destabilize the region. They also voiced strong support for ongoing diplomatic efforts to promote de-escalation in the region.
Commitment to Maritime Security and Countering Houthi Threats
The ministers underscored their commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation and securing vital waterways in the region. They condemned illegal actions by Houthi forces, which pose risks to shipping lanes, international trade, and oil installations in the GCC states. The U.S. and GCC reaffirmed their determination to deter any further threats to the safety of seafarers and global maritime security.
Non-Proliferation and Iran’s Nuclear Program
The U.S. and GCC ministers reaffirmed their support for the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), calling on Iran to fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). They urged Tehran to halt its nuclear expansion efforts, which lack credible civilian justification, and to refrain from obstructing the IAEA’s verification efforts. The group stressed that Iran’s nuclear program must remain exclusively peaceful.
A Call for Peaceful Resolution of Regional Tensions
In concluding their discussions, the ministers emphasized their shared belief that regional tensions should be resolved through peaceful means. They reiterated the importance of diplomatic solutions in addressing disputes and promoting long-term stability in the Middle East.
The meeting further solidified the U.S.-GCC partnership, marking a continuation of close collaboration on regional security, stability, and mutual strategic interests.
The post U.S. and GCC Reaffirm Strategic Partnership in Ministerial Meeting appeared first on Iran News Update.