Ministers from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states reaffirmed their commitment to regional security and the denuclearization of Iran following the recent memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between the United States and Iran on June 17. The agreement, hailed as a crucial step forward, was reached with significant mediation from Pakistan and Qatar. The ministers emphasized the necessity of maintaining momentum and unity to achieve a lasting cessation of hostilities and to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

In addition to nuclear concerns, the ministers highlighted the broader security challenges posed by Iran, including its ballistic missile program, drone capabilities, and support for proxy groups across the region. They stressed that sustainable peace depends on addressing these multifaceted threats.

The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz was also a central point of discussion. Ministers underscored the critical importance of free and unrestricted navigation in the strait, a key maritime chokepoint essential for regional and global energy supplies. They firmly rejected any attempts to impose tolls or exert control over the waterway and welcomed an evacuation plan announced by the Sultanate of Oman in coordination with international maritime organizations to assist more than 11,000 seafarers stranded in the area.

The ministers made clear that any expanded trade or investment relations with Iran would remain conditional on Tehran’s compliance with the MOU and a final comprehensive nuclear deal, as well as an end to its destabilizing regional activities. They emphasized that such economic engagement would be reversible should Iran fail to meet these conditions.

Regarding Syria, the ministers expressed continued support for efforts to build a stable, inclusive, and sovereign nation fully reintegrated into the regional framework. They reiterated their commitment to Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and pledged to aid the Syrian government in combating terrorism, restoring essential services, enhancing the investment climate, and facilitating the voluntary return of refugees and displaced persons.

On Lebanon, the ministers reaffirmed their support for the country’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity amid ongoing US-facilitated negotiations between Lebanon and Israel. They welcomed progress toward a peace and security agreement while stressing that the negotiation process should remain independent of other regional conflicts. The ministers called for the disarmament of all non-state armed groups, insisting that full Lebanese sovereignty requires the Lebanese state’s exclusive control over military force and underscored the needed support for the Lebanese Armed Forces in this effort.

Addressing the situation in Gaza, the ministers backed President Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, as endorsed in UN Security Council resolution 2803. They highlighted the historic involvement of GCC members in the Board of Peace, commending their roles in advancing stabilization, recovery, and reconstruction initiatives. The ministers stressed the necessity of demilitarizing all non-state armed groups in Gaza to enable reconstruction and encouraged the transfer of governance to an independent, technocratic civil Palestinian committee. They noted that progress in Gaza redevelopment and Palestinian Authority reforms could pave the way toward Palestinian self-determination and statehood while reiterating opposition to the annexation of the West Bank.

Finally, the ministers condemned recent attacks by Iranian proxy groups in Iraq targeting GCC countries, including drone strikes against civilian infrastructure and energy assets. They expressed their support for the Iraqi government’s efforts to impose state control over weapons and prevent the use of Iraqi territory for hostile actions against neighboring states.