Iran’s sharp rebuttal: Tehran denounced the US-GCC joint statement, rejecting curbs on its missile and drone programs and opposing foreign-led control over Hormuz navigation.
Gulf’s united stance: GCC ministers backed the US-Iran MOU but insisted on addressing Iran’s proxies and weapons programs, and opposed any tolls on Hormuz transit.
Security stakes high: The rift emerges amid fragile ceasefire talks, maritime incidents, and shifting alliances that could reshape Gulf security arrangements.
Iran rejects US-GCC statement, cites ‘interventionist’ stance
Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the Manama joint statement as “interventionist, irresponsible and provocative,” rejecting calls to limit its missile and drone programs and to end support for groups it considers part of the regional resistance. Tehran argued that US pledges of enduring GCC security were rhetoric and that the American military presence fuels instability. It asserted that the Strait of Hormuz lies within the territorial waters of Iran and Oman, and said its management should follow the provisions of the war-ending memorandum.