US-GCC ministerial meeting in Manama reaffirms security partnership, welcomes Iran MoU
US-GCC ministerial meeting in Manama underlined shared security commitments, welcomed the June 17 U.S.–Iran memorandum, and called for urgent measures to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council met in Manama for a ministerial meeting that reaffirmed the US-GCC ministerial meeting as a central forum for regional security and diplomacy. The session was co-chaired by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, and included foreign ministers of GCC states and Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi. Ministers underlined Washington’s enduring commitment to the security of GCC countries while reaffirming the council’s strategic partnership with the United States. They also highlighted fresh diplomatic momentum following a recent U.S.–Iran memorandum of understanding signed on June 17.
Joint leadership and security commitments
The Manama meeting was led jointly by the US and Bahrain, signaling close coordination on shared strategic priorities. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated America’s steadfast security commitment to the Gulf, while GCC ministers renewed their commitment to a long-term strategic partnership with Washington. The ministers stressed that this partnership remains central to regional stability and to coordinated responses to security threats. Participants emphasized continued diplomatic engagement across defence, intelligence and economic strands.
Acceptance of the June 17 U.S.–Iran memorandum
Ministers welcomed the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran signed on June 17, and praised the mediation roles played by Pakistan and Qatar. They urged that momentum and unity be preserved in ongoing negotiations to secure a durable end to hostilities. The GCC contingent made clear that any progress must prevent Iran from developing or acquiring a nuclear weapon in any form. Conditioning further engagement on Iran’s adherence to the memorandum and any final agreement was underscored as indispensable.
Confronting Iranian threats across multiple domains
Delegates warned that lasting peace and security require confronting the full spectrum of destabilizing Iranian activity, including ballistic missiles, unmanned aerial systems, and support to proxy groups. Ministers called for comprehensive measures to deter and degrade capabilities that threaten regional stability and international commerce. They also linked any economic or trade engagement with Tehran to verifiable behavioural changes, making clear such exchanges remain conditional and reversible. The statement framed counter-proliferation and counter-proxy measures as prerequisites for deeper cooperation.
Freedom of navigation and the Strait of Hormuz
The ministerial communique placed particular emphasis on the urgent need to restore unrestricted freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Ministers rejected any attempt to impose fees, controls or restrictions on passage, and described unfettered transit as essential to regional and global security. They welcomed an announcement by Oman and the International Maritime Organization to implement an evacuation plan for more than 11,000 seafarers stranded in the area. The gathering called on all parties to respect international law, including the right of innocent passage, to protect maritime commerce and energy supplies.
Support for Syria, Lebanon and Gaza stabilization efforts
The GCC ministers expressed support for the Syrian people’s right to a stable, sovereign and inclusive state, and committed to working with Damascus on counterterrorism, restoring essential services and improving the investment climate. On Lebanon, ministers reaffirmed full support for its sovereignty, territorial integrity and stability, and welcomed US-mediated bilateral talks between Israel and Lebanon aimed at setting conditions for enduring peace. They insisted that restoring state authority requires disarming non-state armed groups and strengthening the Lebanese Armed Forces. Regarding Gaza, ministers reiterated backing for a comprehensive US plan to end the conflict and welcomed GCC participation in a “Peace Council” focused on stabilization, reconstruction and accountable civilian governance.
Condemnation of attacks from Iraqi soil and protection of Kuwait’s sovereignty
The joint statement condemned attacks by Iran-aligned groups in Iraq targeting GCC states, including strikes that damaged civilian infrastructure and energy assets. Ministers expressed support for Iraq’s new government efforts to centralize weapons control and prevent armed groups from using Iraqi territory to threaten neighbours. They also reaffirmed respect for Kuwait’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, citing relevant UN Security Council decisions, and urged Baghdad to honour bilateral and international commitments. The ministers called on Iraq to take all necessary measures to secure and protect diplomatic missions within its borders.
The Manama meeting concluded with a firm appeal for unified diplomatic momentum across the region and continued coordination with international partners to translate commitments into concrete security, political and humanitarian outcomes.