US-GCC Statement Calls for Reopening Strait of Hormuz

The United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council have issued a high-level joint statement in Washington, setting out shared positions on regional security, relations with Iran, maritime navigation, and developments in Lebanon and Iraq.

The statement welcomed the recent memorandum of understanding signed between Washington and Tehran, praising the mediation efforts led by Qatar and Pakistan.

Both sides said maintaining momentum in the negotiations is essential to ending hostilities and preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. They also stressed that any future investment or trade exchange with Tehran would depend on Iran’s full commitment to the memorandum of understanding and progress towards a final agreement.

The statement placed strong focus on the security of vital waterways, particularly the Strait of Hormuz. The US and Gulf states stressed the urgent need to reopen the strait and said unrestricted freedom of navigation is essential to regional and global security.

They also rejected any fees, taxes or unilateral attempts to impose control or influence over the Strait of Hormuz.

The joint statement said sustainable peace in the region requires firm action against continuing Iranian threats, including ballistic missile and drone programmes, as well as Tehran’s support for armed groups and proxies across the region.

It also condemned attacks carried out by Iran-aligned Iraqi groups against GCC states.

On Lebanon, Washington and the Gulf capitals reaffirmed their commitment to Lebanon’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. They welcomed ongoing US-sponsored negotiations between Israel and Lebanon and stressed the need to maintain their momentum while keeping them separate from other regional conflicts.

The statement said Lebanese sovereignty cannot be fully achieved while non-state groups continue to possess military capabilities outside the rule of law.

It called for the disarmament of all armed groups and the restoration of the Lebanese state’s exclusive authority over weapons and the use of force. It also affirmed full support for Lebanon’s official armed forces in their efforts to impose security and stability.