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24 Apr 2026, 14:06

On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, the foreign ministers of Arab countries held an extraordinary virtual meeting at Bahrain's request to discuss the threats from the Islamic Republic regarding the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and disruption of international shipping. At the end of the session, they issued a joint statement holding Iran responsible for the damages resulting from the recent crisis.

This meeting was held within the framework of the Arab League Council at the level of foreign ministers, and according to Arab officials, it aimed to review "Iran's attacks against Arab countries, Tehran's commitments under international law, and ways to end the regional crisis."

In the final statement released early Wednesday, Arab foreign ministers emphasized that any action by Iran to prevent the free passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz or Bab el-Mandeb is a clear violation of international law and a direct threat to global energy security and trade. The statement noted that the Islamic Republic bears "full international responsibility" for the financial damages, economic losses, and harm resulting from its actions and must compensate for these losses in accordance with international law.

The spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Minister emphasized that regional governments that, in any way, whether by facilitating access, providing bases, logistical or intelligence support, have made their territory and resources available for U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran, "bear international responsibility for the consequences of these actions and must be held accountable." Ismail Baqaei deemed the recent statement from Arab countries as "completely rejected."

Ahmed Aboul Gheit, the Secretary-General of the Arab League, however, stated on the sidelines of the meeting that Arab countries "will never be hostages to Iran for regional settlements" and emphasized that freedom of navigation in international waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz, is a right guaranteed by international law and Tehran cannot take control of it.

Arab foreign ministers also called on the United Nations Security Council to take action to maintain regional security and ensure freedom of navigation, and urged Arab and regional institutions to establish a mechanism for documenting damages, assessing losses, and pursuing legal compensation from Iran.

This is the third extraordinary meeting of Arab foreign ministers since the onset of the recent crisis with Iran; a meeting that reflects the increasing political pressure from Arab countries on Tehran alongside Western economic pressures.
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