EU and Persian Gulf states call for dialogue, affirm right to defend against Iran

The European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the Middle East crisis, while reiterating that countries in the Persian Gulf have the right to defend themselves against Iran.

“The ministers reiterated their commitment to regional stability and called for protection of civilians and full respect of international law,” the EU and GCC said in a joint statement after a videoconference of European and Gulf foreign ministers.

“The ministers reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as means to resolve the crisis,” the statement said, adding they agreed on “joint diplomatic efforts to bring about a lasting solution” to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and “ultimately allow the Iranian people to determine their future.”