Gulf states have condemned Iran’s retaliatory strikes, describing them as reckless and destabilising. In a joint statement, the US State Department and Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates said: “The targeting of civilians and of countries not engaged in hostilities is reckless and destabilizing behavior.”

The UAE summoned Iran’s ambassador and delivered a formal protest, condemning what it described as “terrorist attacks and assaults”. Minister of State Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar rejected any justification for strikes targeting residential areas, airports and ports, calling them a violation of sovereignty and international law.

The Gulf Cooperation Council convened via video-link and vowed to defend member states, including by “responding to the aggression” if necessary. Iran’s retaliatory attacks reportedly killed civilians in the UAE and injured others across the region.

As tensions mount, Gulf nations have warned that continued escalation could have serious political and economic repercussions across the Middle East.