A ministerial committee convened in Riyadh today, on the sidelines of preparatory meetings for the 29th Arab League Summit, to address Iranian interference in Arab affairs. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Qarqash, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
Attendees included Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir, Bahraini Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, with Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the Arab League, similarly in attendance.
Condemnation of Iranian Actions
The committee issued a statement condemning continued Iranian interference in the internal affairs of Arab nations and denouncing provocative statements made by Iranian officials. Concerns were raised regarding Iran’s sectarian and tribal stoking of tensions, including its support and arming of terrorist militias, which the committee stated threatens Arab national security and impedes peaceful resolutions to regional issues.
The committee specifically condemned the continued launch of ballistic missiles from Yemen towards Saudi Arabia, a violation of UN Security Council Resolution 2216 (2015), which prohibits arming militias. Support was affirmed for measures taken by Saudi Arabia and Bahrain to counter these aggressive acts.
Iran’s development of its ballistic missile program and provision of missiles to the Houthis were also condemned, citing the launch of seven ballistic missiles on March 25th and three more on April 11th targeting Saudi cities, including Riyadh.
Interference in Bahrain
The committee also condemned ongoing Iranian interference in the internal affairs of Bahrain, praising Bahrain’s counter-terrorism efforts. Bahraini authorities have reportedly thwarted numerous terrorist plots and arrested 116 individuals linked to organizations connected to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including Kata’ib Hezbollah and Hezbollah.
The committee reviewed a report detailing the role of Future Bank, owned by Iran and now closed, in supporting and financing terrorism, a violation of international laws and treaties.
The committee emphasized the need for Iran to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2231 (2015) regarding its missile program and called for a robust verification mechanism with swift reimposition of sanctions in case of violations. It also stressed the importance of Iran adhering to all nuclear safety protocols.
Concerns were expressed regarding Iran’s nuclear program and the seriousness of its commitment to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), as well as the agreement’s ability to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary focus of the committee meeting?
The primary focus was addressing Iranian interference in the internal affairs of Arab nations and discussing ways to counter these interventions.
Which countries were represented at the meeting?
The meeting was attended by representatives from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, and the Secretary-General of the Arab League.
What specific actions by Iran were condemned?
The committee condemned Iran’s support for terrorist militias, the launch of ballistic missiles towards Saudi Arabia, interference in Bahrain’s internal affairs, and its development of a ballistic missile program.
What steps will be taken next remains to be seen, but continued diplomatic pressure and potential sanctions are possible outcomes as regional tensions remain high.
