Iran Strikes Gulf Nations as Middle East Tensions Escalate
Jeddah:A wave of regional instability has gripped the Middle East following reports of widespread Iranian attacks targeting multiple Gulf nations in response to US strikes in Tehran, drawing sharp. . .
Jeddah:A wave of regional instability has gripped the Middle East following reports of widespread Iranian attacks targeting multiple Gulf nations in response to US strikes in Tehran, drawing sharp condemnation from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and triggering formal diplomatic protests as the standoff on the Strait of Hormuz continues. In a statement issued on Sunday, the OIC General Secretariat strongly denounced Iranian attacks targeting Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Jordan. The organisation labelled the strikes a “flagrant and ongoing violation” of national sovereignty and a direct breach of the principles of good-neighbourliness. The OIC further criticised Iran’s ongoing disruption of international trade and attacks on commercial vessels, stating that these actions violate international law and the charters of both the United Nations and the OIC. Warning that such escalations threaten regional security, the OIC reaffirmed its full solidarity with the targeted nations and supported their right to take measures to safeguard their security and territorial integrity. “The General Secretariat of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the Iranian attacks against the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, the State of Qatar, the Sultanate of Oman and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, which constitute a flagrant and ongoing violation of the sovereignty of these states and a breach of the principles of good-neighbourliness based on mutual respect,” it stated. “The General Secretariat affirms that these ongoing attacks and Iran’s continued aggression against commercial vessels and obstruction of international trade constitute a clear violation of international law, the Charter of the United Nations and the Charter of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and are likely to undermine international efforts to restore security and stability in the region,” it added. Meanwhile, Oman took direct diplomatic action, claiming drone strikes on sites in the Musandam and Al Wusta governorates. Sheikh Khalid Almuslahi, the Foreign Ministry Undersecretary, summoned the Iranian Ambassador to Oman, Mousa Farhang, to deliver a formal note of protest. During the meeting, Omani officials expressed deep concern over the “irresponsible acts,” demanding that Iran adhere to the values of non-interference, sovereignty, and the ethical norms that bind neighboring nations. Additionally, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also addressed the escalating situation, expressing “deep concern” over the recent incidents. In an official statement, Pakistan, one of the mediators of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), emphasised its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all “brotherly countries” in the region. In a statement shared on X, Pakistan urged all parties to exercise restraint, take immediate steps toward de-escalation, and honour their respective commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The Ministry concluded by reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region. “Pakistan reiterates its strong support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all brotherly countries in the region, and urges all sides to exercise restraint, take immediate steps towards de-escalation, and uphold respective commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU),” it stated. The statements come as several explosions were heard east of the southern Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas and in a coastal area of Qeshm on Sunday, with the cause still unknown, Fars news agency reported. About an hour earlier, the US military carried out a few strikes on missile and air defence systems, as well as IRGC small boats, at a couple of locations around the Strait of Hormuz, Axios reported, citing a US official.