Iran ‘a major threat’ - Foreign Minister calls for joint action to tackle terror threats in the region

Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al Khalifa stressed the role of the Gulf Co-operation Council States, the Arab Repub- lic of Egypt, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in ensuring the stability and the security of the region through the efforts they exert in facing the challenges and their endeavours to provide solutions for issues.

Addressing the 15th Manama Dialogue, he said that crucial stra- tegic value of the region at various political, security and economic levels necessitates the responsible countries in the world to co-oper- ate with the region’s countries in maintaining regional peace and security.

He also pointed out that this co-operation and collective ac- tion is a prerequisite for the suc- cess of any coalition or regional grouping.

He affirmed that Iran remains a major threat targeting the region’s security and stability by continuing its support to terrorism and terror- ist militias, such as Hizbollah and others, as well as its expansionist policies, its violation of interna- tional law and its attack on an oil refinery installation in the King- dom of Saudi Arabia and the com- mercial ships in the Sea of Oman.

Shaikh Khalid added, that in addition to that, Iran also threat- ened maritime safety and security, and trying to undermine the ef- forts exerted by our countries for the benefit of the region and the region’s countries.

The minister called upon the international community to ex- ert further efforts to deter Iran and stop its interference in the internal affairs of the region’s countries and to respect their sovereignty and independence, noting that the GCC have never and will never interfere in Iran’s internal affairs.