Cairo: Arab foreign ministers have condemned Israel's actions against Iran, describing them as a 'blatant violation' of the sovereignty of a UN member state and a threat to regional peace and security. In a statement following an extraordinary session of the Arab League Council at the Ministerial Level-held at Iraq's request and chaired by Jordan-the ministers called for an immediate end to the hostilities and intensified efforts to de-escalate tensions and reach a comprehensive ceasefire.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the session took place alongside the 51st meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The Arab League emphasized the importance of returning to negotiations over Iran's nuclear program and expressed support for initiatives aimed at achieving calm in the region. The ministers urged the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, to take responsibility in halting Israeli military actions, which they claimed violate international law and threaten regional stability.
They stressed that diplomacy and dialogue, based on international law and the UN Charter, are the only viable paths to resolving regional crises, rejecting military solutions. The statement highlighted that a comprehensive regional de-escalation requires addressing conflict root causes, including halting the Israeli offensive in Gaza, ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid, and ending illegal actions in the West Bank, which they said undermine the two-state solution.
The ministers warned that Israeli policies were increasing regional conflict risks, urging effective international action to revive efforts for a comprehensive peace based on relevant UN resolutions and the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative. They welcomed the idea of a high-level international conference on the Palestinian issue, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, and Egypt's offer to host a conference supporting Gaza's recovery and reconstruction.
Additionally, they reaffirmed the importance of respecting international waterways' freedom of navigation and adhering to UN Charter principles, particularly the prohibition on force use in international relations. The ministers called for peaceful dispute resolution and respect for state sovereignty, condemning any airspace violations and emphasizing the need to avoid targeting nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards.
Finally, the ministers reiterated their call for a Middle East free of nuclear weapons, urging regional countries to join the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, in line with past Arab League summit decisions, including the 34th summit held in Baghdad in May 2025.