Daijiworld Media Network - Riyadh

Riyadh, Jul 15: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has strongly condemned the Iranian attacks on two Emirati oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, calling them a violation of international law and reaffirming its support for the United Arab Emirates.

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi described the attack as "an explicit violation of United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 2817, which stresses the necessity of protecting international navigation and refraining from targeting commercial vessels or endangering maritime lanes."

Albudaiwi said the GCC stands firmly with the UAE and supports all measures taken to safeguard its security, sovereignty and vital interests.

He also urged the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, to fulfil its legal and moral responsibilities by taking decisive action to halt repeated Iranian attacks, hold those responsible accountable and ensure the safety of international maritime navigation.

The condemnation comes amid escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, following renewed exchanges of attacks between the United States and Iran across the Gulf region.