GCC Secretary General at 'Manama Dialogue 2026': "Security of GCC Countries Is Indivisible"... "Iranian Attacks Since February 28 a Major Test for Regional Security"

MANAMA, Bahrain

Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), said on October 31 (local time) at the 22nd regional security summit, the "IISS Manama Dialogue 2026," held in Manama, Bahrain, that "the security of GCC states is indivisible," stating that the stability of the Gulf region is a fundamental pillar of international peace and security. Delivering an address at the Second Plenary session, "The Foundations of Regional Security," Secretary General Albudaiwi stated that "the events the region has witnessed since February 28 have put the foundations of regional security to a very critical test, following Iranian attacks that targeted GCC states and their civilian and vital infrastructure, causing casualties." He emphasized that establishing a stable and sustainable regional security architecture requires strict adherence to the principles of international law and respect for state sovereignty.

According to the text of the speech released by the GCC General Secretariat on October 31, Secretary General Albudaiwi said that the GCC states were subjected to these attacks even though they were not parties to the war and did not seek war, and that GCC states instead exercised "maximum restraint" while pursuing intensive diplomatic efforts aimed at mediation and de-escalation. He conveyed his gratitude to the leadership, government, and people of Bahrain for hosting the conference for 22 years, and also expressed his appreciation to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in the United Kingdom for organizing the summit.

Secretary General Albudaiwi: "Disruption to Hormuz Navigation Ripples Through Global Economy"... "Houthi Attacks an Unacceptable Escalation"

Secretary General Albudaiwi stated that the repercussions of the Iranian attacks were not limited to regional states, but extended to the global economy through disruptions to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Noting that approximately one-quarter of global seaborne oil trade passed through the Strait of Hormuz before the crisis, he said that the developments have affected energy prices, shipping and insurance costs, and international supply chains.

Secretary General Albudaiwi also strongly condemned the repeated terrorist attacks carried out by the Houthi militia against Saudi Arabia since last July. Pointing out that these attacks had even extended toward the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, he said they constitute a grave violation of the sanctity of Islamic holy sites, a provocation to the sentiments of Muslims worldwide, and "a dangerous escalation that is unacceptable and whose repercussions cannot be tolerated."

First Pillar: "Respect for International Law and Sovereignty"... "Resolution 2817 Co-Sponsored by 136 Nations"

Secretary General Albudaiwi said that the experiences and challenges endured by the GCC states demonstrated that five primary pillars are necessary to build a solid regional security architecture. Identifying respect for international law and state sovereignty as the first pillar, he stated that "the principles of good neighborliness, non-interference in internal affairs, respect for territorial integrity, refraining from the use or threat of force, and the peaceful settlement of disputes must be upheld."

In this regard, he cited United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817, which was submitted by Bahrain on behalf of the GCC states and Jordan and adopted on March 11, 2026. Secretary General Albudaiwi noted that this resolution was co-sponsored by 136 countries, securing "the broadest support for a resolution of its kind in Security Council history," and stated that GCC states look forward to this broad international support translating into concrete commitments toward implementing the resolution and its provisions.

Second Pillar: "Collective Defense"... "Expedited Completion of Ballistic Missile Early Warning System"

Secretary General Albudaiwi presented collective defense and Gulf military integration as the second pillar of regional security. He said that the armed forces of GCC member states demonstrated high capability and readiness in confronting the attacks, which earned the commendation of the leaders at the 19th GCC Consultative Summit held in Jeddah last April. He noted that the leaders directed at that time the strengthening of Gulf military integration and the accelerated completion of the ballistic missile early warning system project, thereby elevating joint defense capabilities and reinforcing the unity of Gulf security and common destiny.

Last April's Jeddah Consultative Summit: "An Attack on One Member State Is a Direct Attack on All Member States"

The 19th Consultative Summit cited by Secretary General Albudaiwi was held on April 28, 2026, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, chaired by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia. According to the Secretary General's press statement released at the time by the GCC General Secretariat, the leaders discussed regional escalation, including the "blatant Iranian aggression" against GCC states and Jordan. The leaders reaffirmed the right of member states to individual or collective self-defense in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, and declared that pursuant to the GCC Joint Defense Agreement, the security of GCC states is indivisible, with an attack on one member state considered a direct attack on all member states.

The leaders strongly condemned the Iranian attacks for targeting civilian facilities and infrastructure, causing casualties and damage to property, and constituting a grave violation of the sovereignty of GCC states, the UN Charter, international law, and the principles of good neighborliness. Emphasizing that "this treacherous Iranian aggression" had severely eroded the GCC states' trust in Iran, the leaders urged Iran to first take sincere steps toward rebuilding confidence. The leaders also stated that they "categorically reject" illegal measures by Iran to blockade the Strait of Hormuz and impede navigation, as well as the imposition of fees on passing vessels under any pretext, calling for the restoration of maritime safety and freedom of navigation and the return of conditions in the strait to the status prior to February 28, 2026.

At the summit, the leaders commended the courage and capabilities of the armed forces of member states in countering Iranian missile and drone attacks, and highly evaluated the member states' response in rapidly restoring energy facilities damaged by Iranian strikes to safeguard energy supplies. The leaders directed the reinforcement of military integration among member states and the accelerated completion of the ballistic missile early warning system project. They also instructed the General Secretariat to expedite the Gulf Railway project, electricity and water interconnection projects, the launch of oil and gas pipeline transportation projects, and studies on establishing Gulf strategic stockpiling bases.

Third Pillar: "Diplomacy"... "GCC Is a Strategic Partner of the U.S. and Europe"

Regarding diplomacy, the third pillar, Secretary General Albudaiwi stated that "diplomacy is a strategic asset rooted in the steadfast approach of the GCC states, which advocates dialogue, negotiation, and the peaceful resolution of disputes." He added, "The GCC states possess an international standing that allows them to build bridges of communication with multiple parties, serving as strategic partners of the United States and Europe, and reliable partners in relations with China, India, and Asian nations." While noting that GCC states also maintain communication channels with neighboring countries, including Iran, he emphasized that "the success of diplomatic efforts remains contingent on mutual will and responsible engagement by all parties."

Fourth Pillar: "Freedom of Navigation"... "Blockades of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb Are Blatant Violations"

Secretary General Albudaiwi identified the security of maritime navigation and energy supplies as the fourth pillar, calling it a shared responsibility of the international community. Pointing out that freedom of navigation and the right of transit passage are guaranteed under international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), he said that disrupting international navigation and blockading the Strait of Hormuz or the Bab el-Mandeb Strait represent blatant violations of these principles and a direct threat to global economic and commercial interests.

Secretary General Albudaiwi urged the international community to take a resolute stance to put an end to such attacks, hold those responsible accountable, and work to restore navigation through these vital maritime corridors to the normal state prior to February 28. He said that GCC states, guided by their leaders' directives, are maintaining the resilience of their energy supply systems and reducing exposure to risks by advancing oil and gas pipeline projects, exploring the establishment of strategic stockpiling bases, and accelerating water and electricity interconnection projects as well as the Gulf Railway project.

Fifth Pillar: "Development and International Partnerships"... "Military Solutions Alone Cannot Achieve Sustainable Security"

Secretary General Albudaiwi presented building stability through development and international partnerships as the fifth pillar. He noted that GCC states have built a solid economic and financial foundation valued at approximately $2.4 trillion, strengthening their capacity to withstand crises and absorb economic shocks. He said that GCC states are undertaking regional efforts guided by the firm conviction that sustainable security cannot be achieved through military solutions alone, but requires addressing the root causes of crises.

He affirmed that the GCC continues to support the legitimate government of Yemen and backs a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis based on agreed terms of reference, while also supporting the security, stability, and sovereignty of Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. He added that the concept of regional security now extends to embrace water and food security as well as climate response.

Concluding his speech, Secretary General Albudaiwi said that the events that transpired in the region this year proved that regional security cannot depend solely on balances of power, but must rely on international rules respected by all parties and a security architecture whose foundations and priorities are jointly determined by regional states. Describing the "GCC Vision for Regional Security" unveiled in 2024 as an open invitation to all parties for collective action toward a secure and prosperous future, he said the initiative remains open to anyone who translates commitments to peace and security into responsible actions and positions.

On Opening Day: "Bahrain Has Made Manama Dialogue an Influential International Platform for Interpreting Security Transformations"

In a statement released on October 30, the opening day of the conference, Secretary General Albudaiwi commended Bahrain for transforming the Manama Dialogue into "an influential international platform for interpreting security transformations and presenting visions and recommendations that expand opportunities for regional and international peace and stability." According to the GCC General Secretariat, he stated that this conference is held at a highly sensitive time marked by accelerating political and security shifts and growing challenges that transcend borders to affect regional security and global economic stability. Stating that GCC states regard such summits as an important conduit for consolidating regional stability and broadening understanding with international partners, he said that "regional security is a shared responsibility," and that sustainable stability requires not merely responding to the consequences of crises, but effective partnerships and genuine international political will to resolve their root causes.

Secretary General Albudaiwi Meets with Armenian Foreign Minister... "Preparations Underway to Sign MoU"

On the same day in Manama, Secretary General Albudaiwi also held talks with Ararat Mirzoyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Armenia. According to the GCC General Secretariat, the two sides reviewed prospects for cooperative relations between the GCC and Armenia and ways to develop them, and discussed preparatory work to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the near future. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues, emphasizing the importance of supporting and reinforcing regional and international security and stability.

Assistant Secretary Blome of the U.S. Department of State: "Houthis Are a Foreign Terrorist Organization"... Meets with Yemeni Foreign Minister in Manama

The United States also continued coordination with its Gulf partners at the summit. According to a meeting press release published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Yemen on its official X account, Donald Blome, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, met with Yemeni Foreign Minister Al-Zuba on the sidelines of the Manama Dialogue on the opening day, October 30, and reaffirmed that the United States designates the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. Assistant Secretary Blome reiterated Washington's support for the Yemeni government and stated that it will continue to coordinate with regional and international partners to ensure the security and stability of Yemen and the region. The two sides also discussed efforts to curb weapons smuggling to the Houthis and measures to address maritime security threats in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Marking its 22nd edition this year, the Manama Dialogue is held from October 30 to November 1. According to the agenda released by the IISS, the Second Plenary session took place on October 31 from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Al-Noor Ballroom in Manama, chaired by Lord Sedwill, Chair of the IISS Board of Trustees, and featured Secretary General Albudaiwi alongside Asaad Al-Shaibani, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Syria, and Afra Al-Zuba, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Yemen, as speakers. According to a speech press release posted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Yemen on its official X account, Minister Al-Zuba presented four foundations for sustainable regional security at the summit: respect for state sovereignty and strengthening the effectiveness of state institutions; prioritizing diplomacy and dialogue in managing regional conflicts; a comprehensive security concept; and protecting maritime corridors and international trade routes, asserting that sustainable regional security cannot be achieved without a safe and stable Yemen.

Sources (KST)

• GCC General Secretariat, "HE GCCSG: The Security of the GCC States is Indivisible, and Establishing Sustainable Regional Security Requires Strict Adherence to the Principles of International Law and Respect for State Sovereignty" (October 31, 2026): https://www.gcc-sg.org/en/MediaCenter/News/Pages/News2026-10-31-1.aspx
• GCC General Secretariat, "HE GCCSG Meets with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Armenia to Discuss Bolstering Prospects of Bilateral Cooperation and Preparations for Signing an MoU Between the Two Sides" (October 31, 2026): https://www.gcc-sg.org/en/MediaCenter/News/Pages/News2026-10-31-2.aspx
• GCC General Secretariat, "معالي الأمين العام لمجلس التعاون: مملكة البحرين جعلت من «حوار المنامة» مساحة دولية مؤثرة لقراءة التحولات الأمنية…" (October 30, 2026): https://www.gcc-sg.org/ar/MediaCenter/News/Pages/News2026-10-30-1.aspx
• GCC General Secretariat, "Media Statement by HE GCCSG on the Occasion of the 19th Consultative Meeting of Their Majesties and Highnesses, the Leaders of the Cooperation Council States" (April 28, 2026): https://www.gcc-sg.org/en/MediaCenter/News/Pages/news2026-4-28-5.aspx
• GCC General Secretariat X Post (@GCCSG, Arabic, October 31, 2026): https://x.com/GCCSG/status/2116487962737492335
• GCC General Secretariat X Post (@GCCSG, English, October 31, 2026): https://x.com/GCCSG/status/2116499172593750357
• GCC General Secretariat X Post (@GCCSG, Speech Highlights, October 31, 2026): https://x.com/GCCSG/status/2116494664488341635
• GCC General Secretariat X Post (@GCCSG, Meeting with Armenian Foreign Minister, October 31, 2026): https://x.com/GCCSG/status/2116508815311122565
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Yemen X Post (@yemen_mofa, Meeting with Assistant Secretary Blome, October 30, 2026): https://x.com/yemen_mofa/status/2116229355114471906
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Yemen X Post (@yemen_mofa, Minister Al-Zuba's Manama Dialogue Address, October 31, 2026): https://x.com/yemen_mofa/status/2116474290736341121
• International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), "IISS Manama Dialogue 2026 – Speaker Agenda": https://www.iiss.org/events/manama-dialogue/manama-dialogue-2026/speaker-agenda/
• International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), "Second Plenary: The Foundations of Regional Security" (October 31, 2026): https://www.iiss.org/events/manama-dialogue/manama-dialogue-2026/plenary-sessions/second-plenary/