Arab, Islamic countries stress need to halt Israeli hostilities against Iran, return to negotiation path

CAIRO: A group of Arab and Islamic countries have issued a joint statement affirming the need to cease Israeli hostile actions against Iran, which come at a time when the Middle East is witnessing increasing levels of tension, while highlighting the importance of working to de-escalate tensions and achieve a ceasefire and comprehensive calm.
The joint statement was issued by the foreign ministers of the State of Qatar, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Kingdom of Bahrain, Brunei Darussalam, the Republic of Turkiye, the Republic of Chad, the Republic of The Gambia, the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, the Union of the Comoros, the Republic of Djibouti, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Republic of The Sudan, the Federal Republic of Somalia, the Republic of Iraq, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Kuwait, the State of Libya, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.
It emphasized the importance of working to reduce tensions in pursuit of a ceasefire and comprehensive de-escalation. It also affirmed its rejection and condemnation of the Israeli attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran, which began at dawn on June 13, 2025, as well as any practices that constitute a violation of international law and the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter. It also asserted the need to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, the principles of good neighborliness, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
In the statement, the foreign ministers expressed deep concern over this dangerous escalation, which threatens to bring serious repercussions for the security and stability of the entire region. They also emphasized the importance of freeing the Middle East of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, in accordance with relevant international resolutions and without selectivity. They also stressed the need for all countries in the region to quickly accede to the treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.
The joint statement emphasized the need not to target nuclear facilities subject to International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards in accordance with relevant IAEA and UN Security Council resolutions, as this constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and international humanitarian law under the 1949 Geneva Convention. It also stressed the need to return to the path of negotiations as soon as possible, as this is the only way to reach a sustainable agreement on Iran's nuclear program.
The foreign ministers stressed the importance of respecting freedom of navigation in international waterways in accordance with relevant international law and refraining from undermining international maritime security. They affirmed that the only way to resolve crises in the region is through diplomacy, dialogue, and adherence to the principles of good neighborliness in accordance with international law and the UN Charter, and that the current crisis cannot be resolved through military means.

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