Kuwait and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states have issued strong condemnations of recent statements and actions by the Houthi militia in Yemen, alongside coordinated responses to Iranian attacks in the region. The condemnations come amid escalating tensions affecting maritime security and regional stability.
On July 21, Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized comments from the Houthi militia’s military spokesperson accusing Saudi Arabia of imposing a maritime blockade on Yemen and threatening freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. Kuwait dismissed these allegations as baseless and called on the international community to uphold United Nations Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2216 related to Yemen and Resolution 2722 concerning maritime security and the protection of navigation rights. The ministry reaffirmed that freedom of navigation in international waters is safeguarded under international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Kuwait expressed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and pledged support for all measures taken by Riyadh to defend its security and sovereignty, emphasizing that Saudi security is intrinsically linked to that of Kuwait and the GCC states.
Saudi Arabia also strongly refuted the Houthi claims, highlighting its efforts over recent years to support the legitimate Yemeni government through development initiatives, budget assistance, and fuel supplies to sustain power generation. The Saudi Foreign Ministry condemned the militia’s statements as unfounded and reiterated its commitment to alleviating the suffering of the Yemeni people.
Jordan similarly condemned the Houthi statements and reaffirmed solidarity with Saudi Arabia. Jordan’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Ambassador Fouad Majali urged the international community to enforce the relevant UN resolutions and affirmed that maritime navigation rights are protected under international law.
In parallel, high-level discussions addressing regional security took place between Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr. Abdul Latif Al-Zayani and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. The ministers reviewed the effects of repeated Iranian missile and drone attacks on Bahrain, describing these as violations of international humanitarian law, UN Security Council Resolution 2817, and principles of good neighbourliness. They also discussed the consequences of Iran’s ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz on maritime navigation, energy supplies, food security, and trade in the Bab Al-Mandab Strait and the Red Sea, planning to coordinate efforts at the UN Security Council.
The United Arab Emirates condemned Iranian missile and drone assaults targeting Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan, labeling the attacks as breaches of sovereignty and threats to regional security. The UAE reiterated its support for these countries in protecting their security and stability.
Qatar also raised concerns at the United Nations, submitting identical letters to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the incoming president of the Security Council regarding recent Iranian attacks on Qatari territory. These included an attack on a Qatari tanker near the Strait of Hormuz on July 7 and intercepted ballistic missile strikes on July 12 and 17, which caused injuries from shrapnel. Qatar accused Iran of violating its sovereignty and international law, including provisions of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities as demanded by UN Security Council Resolution 2817. Qatar’s government held Iran responsible for the attacks and asserted its right to respond under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
Bahrain strongly condemned the missile and drone attacks launched by Iran against Kuwait, Jordan, and other neighbours, affirming its solidarity with the affected countries and backing all legitimate measures taken to safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity.
These coordinated statements and diplomatic efforts underscore the heightened tensions in the Gulf region, with Gulf states united in opposing Houthi threats to maritime security and condemning Iranian military actions perceived as destabilizing. The countries involved have appealed to the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, to enforce applicable resolutions and uphold regional peace and security.