Ceasefire Call For Iran-US-Israel War? Arab Nations Huddle Up In Riyadh

A high-stakes diplomatic push unfolded in Riyadh on Thursday as leading Arab and Islamic nations issued a unified and forceful rebuke of Iran’s escalating military actions, warning of deepening regional instability. The high-level meeting, hosted by Saudi Arabia, brought together representatives from Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Qatar, Syria, Turkiye, the UAE, and others, reflecting the gravity of the unfolding crisis.

What Was the Core Message to Iran?

The ministers issued a unified and unequivocal demand: Iran must immediately halt its attacks and abide by international obligations.

They stressed the importance of implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), calling for “an immediate halt to all attacks” and the “unconditional cessation of any provocative acts or threats against neighboring states.”

The statement further urged Iran to stop “support, financing and arming its affiliated militias in Arab countries,” warning that such actions undermine regional stability.

Why Are Maritime Routes Like the Strait of Hormuz Critical?

A major concern raised during the meeting was the safety of global maritime routes.

The ministers warned Iran against “any measures or threats aimed at closing or obstructing international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz or threatening maritime security in Bab al-Mandab.”

Any disruption in these chokepoints could trigger severe global economic consequences, particularly for energy markets.

What Attacks Were Condemned?

The ministers strongly denounced Iran’s recent strikes on Gulf Cooperation Council countries, as well as Jordan, Azerbaijan, and Turkiye.

They described the attacks as deliberate and unjustifiable, stating that ballistic missiles and drones had targeted “residential areas, civilian infrastructure, including oil facilities, desalination plants, airports, residential buildings, and diplomatic premises.”

The statement emphasized that such actions “could not be justified under any pretext or in any manner whatsoever.”

Do Countries Have the Right to Respond Militarily?

Reaffirming international law, the ministers highlighted the right of nations to defend themselves.

They stressed the legitimacy of self-defense “in accordance with Article (51) of the United Nations Charter,” underlining that sovereignty and territorial integrity must be protected.

What Conditions Were Set for Future Relations with Iran?

The meeting made it clear that future engagement with Iran hinges on its conduct.

The ministers emphasized that relations depend on “respecting the sovereignty of states and non-interference in their internal affairs,” and warned against any violations of territorial integrity or military threats in the region.

Beyond Iran, the ministers also addressed the situation in Lebanon.

They expressed support for Lebanon’s “security, stability and territorial integrity” and condemned Israel’s aggression against the country, signaling broader regional concerns.

How Is the Conflict Expanding on the Ground?

Even as diplomacy intensifies, the conflict continues to escalate militarily.

Iran retaliated after an Israeli strike on the South Pars Gas Field, expanding the scope of hostilities. In a significant development, Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City—home to the world’s largest liquefied natural gas facility—was struck by Iranian ballistic missiles.

While the attack caused extensive damage, authorities confirmed that a resulting fire was contained and no casualties were reported.

How Did Qatar Respond to the Attack?

In a sharp diplomatic move, Qatar declared Iranian military and security attachés “persona non grata,” ordering them to leave the country within 24 hours.

This escalation underscores the widening diplomatic fallout from the conflict.

The Riyadh meeting concluded with a commitment to continued coordination and vigilance.

The ministers pledged “intensive consultation and coordination” to monitor developments, align positions, and adopt “necessary legitimate measures” to safeguard their security, stability, and sovereignty while working to halt what they termed “Iranian heinous attacks.”

(With inputs from ANI)