Gulf Cooperation Council warns of maritime threats in Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Al-Budaiwi condemned Houthi-claimed attacks targeting Mecca and Medina
- Al-Budaiwi met with a senior US defense official to discuss joint military coordination and regional security working groups
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi has warned against continued threats to international navigation, stating that disruptions to maritime traffic in the Straits of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb pose a direct risk to global economic interests.
Speaking during discussions connected to the 22nd Regional Security Summit (Manama Dialogue 2026) in the Bahraini capital, Al-Budaiwi called on the international community to restore unimpeded commercial shipping and ensure accountability for strikes targeting strategic waterways.
He also condemned attacks aimed at Mecca and Medina, describing them as an unacceptable violation of holy sites and an escalation threatening regional stability.
Al-Budaiwi reiterated the GCC’s support for Yemen's internationally recognized government, emphasizing that a durable resolution requires a comprehensive political settlement grounded in agreed terms of reference.
The remarks coincided with bilateral security discussions in Manama between Al-Budaiwi and Michael DiMino, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Near Eastern and Central Asian Affairs.
The two officials reviewed joint military initiatives, examined the structure and proposals of US-GCC working groups, and evaluated ongoing international efforts to manage regional flashpoints.
The diplomatic engagement comes as Saudi Arabia intensifies contacts with Washington, Moscow, and Tehran to contain wider fallout, following persistent cross-border missile and drone activity.
