US-GCC Ministerial Summit Issues Joint Communiqué on Gaza, Iran and Strait of Hormuz

MANAMA — The United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) concluded a joint ministerial summit in Bahrain with a sweeping communiqué addressing key regional security issues, including Gaza, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Lebanon and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
The joint statement welcomed the US-Iran memorandum of understanding and praised the diplomatic mediation roles played by Pakistan and Qatar in facilitating the agreement.
On Gaza, the declaration firmly rejected the forced displacement of Palestinians, stating that no Palestinian would be compelled to leave Gaza, while those temporarily displaced would retain the right of return. Uninterrupted humanitarian aid and civilian protection were also emphasized.
Regarding Lebanon, participants called for the disarmament of all non-state armed groups and affirmed that the monopoly on the use of force must rest solely with the Lebanese state. Support for the Lebanese Armed Forces was also reaffirmed.
The communiqué took a firm stance against Iran acquiring nuclear weapons, declaring it categorically unacceptable, and called for Iran’s ballistic missile programme, drone capabilities and regional proxy networks to be included in diplomatic negotiations.
On the Strait of Hormuz, the summit rejected any tolls, fees or attempts to control the waterway, reaffirming the right to free and safe maritime passage.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry swiftly dismissed the joint statement as “interventionist, irresponsible and provocative,” warning that such policies fuel regional tensions. Tehran maintained that lasting regional security can only be achieved through cooperation among regional states without foreign interference, and urged Gulf nations not to allow their territories to be used against Iran in the future.