GCC countries to condemn Iran in UN Security Council resolution

The Gulf Cooperation Council countries are formulating a resolution at the United Nations Security Council condemning Iranian aggression, according to statements by Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister published by UAE state news agency WAM.

The announcement by Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir followed the 42nd extraordinary meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council yesterday at King Salman Air Base Airport.

“The GCC Ministerial Council extensively discussed the Iranian attack on the Saudi Embassy in Tehran and its Consulate in Mashhad as well as Iran’s aggressive policies in the region and its ongoing interventions in the affairs of the region’s countries which aim at destabilising their security and stability,” he was quoted as saying by the Saudi Press Agency.

He also suggested that The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League would take “the proper stance” towards the Iranian aggression.

The minister’s statements came following a turbulent week in which Saudi Arabia’s allies closed diplomatic relations with Iran after an attack on the kingdom’s Tehran embassy. Protestors stormed the building following Saudi Arabia’s execution of Shia cleric Nimr Al Nimr on January 2.

The spat has alarmed world leaders concerned that distrust between the two sides could damage peace efforts in Syria and Yemen.

Earlier this week United Nations secretary general Ban Ki Moon also phoned the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and Iran to urge both countries to “avoid actions that could further exacerbate tensions after the recent Saudi executions, the attack on the Saudi embassy in Iran, and the rupture in diplomatic ties”.

Al-Jubeir said that Saudi Arabia and its GCC allies would carry on efforts seeking a political solution to the Syrian crisis and stressed the country’s commitment to supporting the legitimate government in Yemen.