Gulf Cooperation Council Expresses Concern Over Iran's Nuclear Program

The meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) ministers issued a statement expressing concern over the "developments in Iran's nuclear file," emphasizing the importance of accelerating constructive agreements between Iran and relevant countries regarding the nuclear issue to maintain regional security and stability. This position from the Riyadh meeting has elicited a response from the Islamic Republic of Iran. The statement from the GCC ministers' meeting, held on Monday, September 9, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, noted that "the Council of Ministers expresses its readiness to cooperate and engage effectively with Iran's nuclear file and participate in all regional and international negotiations, discussions, and meetings" on this matter. The statement also called for "these negotiations to encompass not only Iran's nuclear program but also all security concerns" of the Arab Gulf countries, such as "ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, drones, international navigation safety, and oil facilities" to "assist in achieving common goals." According to the Gulf Cooperation Council website, the Riyadh meeting emphasized the importance of Iran's commitment not to exceed the level of uranium enrichment required for peaceful uses and the necessity for Iran to fully comply with its obligations and cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The IAEA reported on Thursday, August 30, in a confidential report that the Islamic Republic has increased its enriched uranium reserves to a level "close to weapons-grade" in defiance of international demands. The report indicated that Iran's stock of 60% enriched uranium as of August 18 was 164.7 kilograms, an increase of over 22 kilograms compared to the previous report in May. Experts state that converting 60% enriched uranium to weapons-grade 90% purity requires only "a short technical step." The agency noted that Iran has not revised its previous decision to deny IAEA inspectors access to its nuclear program, and the agency's surveillance cameras remain disrupted. In another part of the statement, the GCC condemned what it termed the "occupation" of the three islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb by Iran, supporting the territorial claims of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The statement faced a reaction from the spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, who described its contents as "repetitive, unconstructive, and fruitless." The GCC statement declared that it considers "any decision, procedure, or action by Iran regarding these three islands to be null and void" and called on the Islamic Republic to "respond to the UAE's efforts to resolve this issue through direct negotiations or by referring to the International Court of Justice." The GCC further condemned "the continued construction of housing for Iranians on the three islands," the travel of officials, and military maneuvers by the Islamic Republic, urging Tehran to "stop such violations and provocative actions in the affairs of an independent country." The statement asserted that Iran's actions "threaten trust, security, and stability in the region" and jeopardize maritime security. In another section of the statement, support was expressed for Kuwait's sovereignty over the Arash (Al-Durra) gas field, stating that "this field is entirely located in the maritime areas of Kuwait." The Persian section of Voice of America has extensively examined the history of Iran's ownership of the three islands in the Persian Gulf, the disputes surrounding them, and recent support from Russia and China for the UAE's claims. In response to the GCC statement, Nasser Kanani, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, stated on Tuesday, September 10, that Tehran "has always adhered to its international laws and obligations, thus considers the baseless statements regarding its peaceful nuclear program to be without value." He also remarked that "the unconstructive positions of the GCC do not contribute to the process of regional interaction and cooperation." Kanani added that the islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb are "an inseparable and eternal part of the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran" and that any comments regarding housing, the travel of state and military officials to the islands belonging to Iran, and military exercises within its territorial borders are regarded as interference in its sovereign affairs and condemned. The spokesperson also rejected the Riyadh statement regarding the Arash (Al-Durra) oil field, stating that "issuing repetitive statements and making unilateral claims lack legal value and do not establish any rights for the Kuwaiti side." The Arash gas field, located in the northern Persian Gulf, was discovered in 1967 by the Japanese oil company EOC, with an estimated gas reserve of 20 trillion cubic feet and an oil reserve of nearly 310 million barrels. This oil and gas field, referred to as "Arash" by Iran and "Al-Durra" by Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, has been a contentious issue for decades. The Director General of the IAEA expressed hope for a meeting with the Iranian representative and the resumption of nuclear talks. The IAEA reported that the Islamic Republic has increased its enriched uranium reserves to a level "close to weapons-grade." The head of the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization stated that there is no deviation in Iran's nuclear program. The White House noted that there is still a long way to go to achieve a long-term solution for Iran's nuclear program. Supreme Leader Khamenei has signaled a green light for the resumption of nuclear negotiations, while the U.S. stated that "the Islamic Republic must stop its nuclear tensions." A letter from 20 activists to Guterres called for the United Nations to defend Iran's territorial integrity. One day after the "summoning" of the Chinese ambassador in Tehran, Beijing reiterated its position against Iran's three islands.