Regional ministers vow united stance as Iran’s attacks drive Middle East tensions
Foreign ministers from 12 countries including Qatar, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Türkiye and the UAE met in Riyadh to coordinate a response to Iran’s escalating strikes on energy facilities and other targets, condemning Tehran and affirming the right to defend themselves under UN Charter Article 51. They urged Iran to halt attacks and proxy support while condemning Israeli actions in Lebanon and broader regional expansion, but offered few concrete follow-up steps. Saudi officials signaled they could act if needed, underscoring a shift from past caution amid a rapidly deteriorating security situation as Iran’s leadership contends with new dynamics after recent killings and retaliatory strikes.
