Iranian Regime Warns Gulf Countries Over Use of US Military Bases After GCC-US Meeting

TEHRAN, Jun 26: The Iranian regime on Friday condemned a joint statement issued by the United States and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) foreign ministers, calling it “interventionist, irresponsible and provocative” while accusing Washington of increasing instability in the region.

In a statement, Iran’s Foreign Ministry rejected the positions outlined in the communiqué released after the US-GCC ministerial meeting in Bahrain on June 25, criticizing what it described as continued hostile actions and foreign interference in regional affairs.

Tehran dismissed Washington’s pledge of an “enduring commitment” to the security of GCC countries as “mere rhetoric,” arguing that the US military presence in the region has become a source of insecurity and division rather than stability.

Iran said the use of military bases and facilities in regional countries during recent US and Israeli strikes against Iran showed that Washington had failed to respect the security interests of its regional partners. It urged Gulf states to prevent their territory from being used for actions targeting Iran, citing international law and principles of good neighborliness.

The Iranian ministry also rejected accusations over its nuclear activities, calling claims about its program “fabricated” by the United States and Israel. Tehran urged GCC countries to cooperate in establishing a nuclear weapons-free zone in West Asia.

Iran further criticized references in the US-GCC statement to its missile and drone capabilities, saying it would not show “the slightest leniency” in defending its sovereignty and military deterrence.

On the Strait of Hormuz, Tehran said recent disruptions were caused by US and Israeli military actions and accused some regional states of involvement. Iran reiterated that the strategic waterway falls within the territorial waters of Iran and Oman and said its management would follow provisions of a recently signed war-ending memorandum of understanding.

The response came a day after the United States and GCC countries called for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the importance of unrestricted navigation through the vital shipping route.

In their joint statement, Washington and Gulf states rejected any attempts to impose fees, restrictions or control over the waterway, while calling for continued efforts to prevent Iran from developing or acquiring nuclear weapons.

The statement also welcomed a recent US-Iran memorandum of understanding and acknowledged the mediation efforts of Pakistan and Qatar, but said future trade and investment ties with Tehran would depend on Iran’s compliance with the agreement and an end to what the GCC and US described as destabilizing activities.