EU unites in support for Gulf states amid Iran attacks

Gulf Cooperation Council and EU foreign ministers met on Thursday to discuss Iran’s attacks on GCC countries. EU member states rarely agree on issues of foreign policy, so it was remarkable that they were able to reach consensus on this issue despite disagreeing on the wider conflict between Israel and Iran.
There were clear reasons for the united stance on Iran’s aggression against GCC states, which were engaged in diplomatic efforts to thwart the confrontation between Israel-US and Iran. Oman, for example, was the lead mediator trying to break the deadlock over Iran’s nuclear program. So it is a case of inexcusable aggression against countries that had been neutral in the wider conflict and had rebuffed US requests to launch attacks against Iran from their territory.
Despite GCC neutrality, Iran launched 2,000 more attacks against GCC states than against Israel, its primary foe.
The ease with which consensus was reached is explained by their shared belief that the “security and stability of the Gulf region are fundamental pillars of the stability of the global economy, intrinsically linked to European and global security.”
European interests, in particular, have been seriously affected by the conflict, which is beginning to threaten global peace, security, and economic well-being. Energy supplies were disrupted and European gas prices soared as Qatar halted its LNG exports for security reasons. Oil prices also rose due to the curtailment of oil tanker movement through the Strait of Hormuz. The longer the conflict lasts, the tighter energy supplies will become and the higher the prices will be.
The Europeans were also grateful for the assistance GCC states offered to evacuate their nationals from the region.
Finally, the GCC-EU Strategic Partnership was announced in 2022 precisely to provide mutual support in the event of crises, and Europeans were honoring that agreement and reaffirming their “solidarity with the countries of the GCC.”
A lengthy joint statement issued after the meeting made the extent of that mutual support clear. The 27 EU member states took turns at the Thursday talks to extend sympathy, understanding, and support for their GCC partners. At the end of their deliberations, which lasted hours, they agreed on a number of steps for the near future.
First, they decided to coordinate diplomatic efforts to persuade Iran to halt its attacks against GCC countries. The EU will support GCC efforts at the UN toward the adoption of a Security Council resolution to pressure Iran to do so. 

The security of the Gulf region is critical to international peace, security, and prosperity.

Dr. Abdel Aziz Aluwaisheg

Second, the EU affirmed that the GCC states have the right to take “all necessary measures” to defend their security and stability, and protect their territories, citizens, and residents. They highlighted the inherent right of the GCC countries, in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, to defend themselves, individually and collectively, against these armed attacks. They also called on the UN Security Council to shoulder its responsibility in restoring and maintaining international peace and security.
Third, the EU has previously introduced Operation Aspides and Operation Atalanta to protect critical waterways and reduce disruption to supply chains. The meeting on Thursday called for greater GCC-EU coordination for the support of these operations. Ministers also pointed to the need to safeguard regional airspace and maritime routes, as well as energy security, in the face of Iranian attacks.
Fourth, the ministers addressed the underlying conflict by expressing “unwavering commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as means to resolve the crisis.” They promised “joint diplomatic efforts” to bring about a lasting solution to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, to cease production and proliferation of ballistic missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and “any technologies that threaten the security of the region and beyond.” They also criticized Iran’s “destabilizing activities in the region and in Europe.”
There were genuine expressions of support, solidarity, and sympathy at the meeting of the EU and GCC states on March 5, along with clear recognition that the security of the Gulf region is critical to international peace, security, and prosperity.
In the days ahead, the two blocs need to coordinate their diplomatic efforts to bring an end to Iran’s unjustifiable attacks. There also needs to be more practical support to translate solidarity into concrete action. EU contributions to regional maritime security are laudable, but they need to be beefed up, especially in the Red Sea and around Bab Al-Mandab Strait to help maintain the security of supply chains and the stability of global energy markets. Individual EU states can provide concrete help in protecting GCC states’ critical infrastructure, which has come under repeated attacks from Iran, by expediting delivery of weapons systems and ammunition for that purpose.

• Dr. Abdel Aziz Aluwaisheg is the GCC assistant secretary-general for political affairs and negotiation. The views expressed here are personal and do not necessarily represent those of the GCC.
X: @abuhamad1