Iran rejects GCC-US statement, blames US military presence for regional insecurity

TEHRAN – Iran has strongly rejected the joint statement issued following the meeting of the foreign ministers of the United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), describing it as irresponsible and provocative. In a response to the communiqué, the spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the main source of insecurity and division in the region is the presence of the United States. The spokesperson urged regional countries not to allow their territories to be used against Iran in the future, adding that lasting stability can only be achieved through mutual cooperation among regional states. The spokesperson also said the management of the Strait of Hormuz would continue in accordance with the memorandum agreed with Oman. According to the statement, the United States, Israel, and countries supporting them are responsible for insecurity in the strategic waterway. The comments came a day after the United States and GCC foreign ministers issued a joint communiqué following their meeting in Bahrain. The statement reaffirmed that no one should be forcibly displaced from Gaza, while those who choose to leave voluntarily should be free to return. The communiqué also called for the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon other than the state. It further said that negotiations concerning Lebanon should not be linked to other regional conflicts and stressed the need to maintain dialogue to support the country’s political and security stability.