The Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) concluded its 168th session in Manama on Sunday, October 18, 2026, chaired by Bahrain's Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, with the participation of GCC foreign ministers and the GCC secretary-general.

Opening its final communiqué, the council condemned in the strongest terms the continuous attacks by “the terrorist Houthi militia” on Saudi Arabia, including the targeting of the Two Holy Mosques and their surroundings, civilian airports and vital facilities, which have caused civilian deaths and injuries. It offered condolences to the victims' families.

The council affirmed that member states stand united with the Kingdom and support all measures it takes to protect its sovereignty and security. GCC security is indivisible, it said, and an attack on any member is a direct attack on all under the Joint Defence Agreement, while member states retain the right to individual and collective self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

It called for implementation of UN Security Council resolutions on Yemen, notably Resolution 2216 (2015) and Resolution 2722 (2024) on attacks on ships in the Red Sea, strict enforcement of the arms embargo on the terrorist Houthi group, and its designation as a terrorist organisation. The council welcomed the Security Council presidential statement of October 15, 2026, which condemned the attacks on the Kingdom, including on Aramco facilities, and reaffirmed support for Yemen's sovereignty and a political solution based on the three agreed references.

On Iran, the council condemned continued Iranian missile and drone attacks on GCC states and Jordan, directly or through proxies, held Iran fully responsible, and demanded an immediate, unconditional halt, compliance with Resolution 2817 (2026) and full reparation.

The council said the Strait of Hormuz, Bab al-Mandab and the Red Sea are vital arteries of the world economy, rejected closures, mine-laying and unlawful transit fees or restrictions, and called for conditions in Hormuz to return to those before February 28, 2026. It urged a return to dialogue, saying any understanding must cover Iran's nuclear file, missiles, drones and support for proxies, with GCC states involved in any negotiations affecting their security.