Gulf states ready for ‘self defense’ against Iran as war stance shifts

Gulf states issued a joint statement on Thursday condemning Iran’s “blatant” and “criminal” attacks against their energy infrastructure, signaling a readiness to act in “self defense” in the future.

The Gulf states stressed that attacks launched from Iraqi territory by armed factions and proxies loyal to Iran were a particular grievance, and a breach of international law.

“While we value our fraternal relations with the Republic of Iraq, we call on the Iraqi government to take the necessary measures to immediately halt the attacks … toward neighboring countries,” the joint statement by the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Jordan commented Thursday,

An end to such attacks is necessary “in order to preserve brotherly relations and avoid further escalation,” according to the statement.

The Gulf states reaffirmed their “full and inherent right to self-defense against these criminal attacks,” in accordance with Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, which guarantees the right of states to self-defense, individually and collectively, in the event of aggression.

They also reserved the right “to take all necessary measures to safeguard our sovereignty, security, and stability.”

Iran’s Gulf neighbors have been repeatedly targeted and hit by Iranian drones and missiles as part of the Islamic Republic’s retaliatory strikes against the U.S. and Israel’s bombardment since late February.

The attacks, launched both from within Iran and outside by allied groups loyal to the regime, have damaged oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals, causing several years’ worth of costly repairs in some cases.

It’s not the first time the Gulf states have issued strongly-worded statements condemning Iranian attacks on energy infrastructure and facilities, which are seen as part of Tehran’s strategy to get its neighbors to persuade the U.S. and Israel to halt their military operation.

But the joint statement and mention of “self-defense” signals a shift in tone from Iran’s Gulf neighbors, who have encouraged a de-escalation of tensions and have — up until now — taken a more neutral and conciliatory position on the U.S. and Israel’s war.

Iran has both apologized for attacks against its neighbors and justified them, telling CNBC that U.S. military bases in neighboring territories were “legitimate” targets.

There have been strong signs that the Gulf’s collective patience has been wearing thin. Gulf officials have warned “a price must be paid” for the attacks, which have set back the Gulf’s economic development by years and damaged the region’s reputation as a safe haven for business and tourism.