Gulf Nations Celebrate US-Iran Peace Agreement: What It Means for Regional Stability

Gulf States Respond to US-Iran Peace Deal

Dubai: On Monday, Gulf nations expressed their approval of a peace agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at resolving their ongoing conflict. They emphasized the necessity of safeguarding maritime routes and ensuring the freedom of international navigation, particularly through the vital Strait of Hormuz.

The US President announced the conclusion of the 107-day conflict on Sunday, with plans for the deal to be officially signed on June 19 in Switzerland.

Countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait, which have faced numerous attacks from Iran during the conflict, issued separate statements praising the agreement.

The UAE's Foreign Ministry highlighted the significance of prioritizing dialogue and diplomacy while adhering to international law to enhance regional security and stability.

They called for strict adherence to the agreement's terms, which include an immediate halt to hostilities and the protection of maritime routes, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

During the conflict, Iran had effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for transporting one-fifth of the world's oil supply, which is essential for several Gulf nations like Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE.

Iran also targeted Gulf states hosting US military bases, which were utilized for operations against the Islamic Republic.

In his announcement, Trump stated that the deal would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lift the US naval blockade on Iranian ports. He later clarified that the Strait would be accessible starting Friday, following the formal signing of the agreement.

The UAE's Foreign Ministry urged respect for state sovereignty and the principles of good neighborliness, emphasizing that these measures could foster security, stability, and economic prosperity at both regional and global levels.

They also stressed the importance of ongoing negotiations to build on this progress and achieve lasting outcomes.

The UAE reiterated its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at enhancing security and stability through dialogue and diplomacy as the preferred approach to resolving regional and international crises.

Saudi Arabia welcomed the US-Iran agreement, expressing hope for a peace process that strengthens regional and global security through a lasting accord that respects the internal affairs of states.

They also underscored the need to restore security and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz to its pre-conflict state before February 28.

Qatar, which played a significant role as a mediator, described the deal as a crucial step towards establishing sustainable peace and fostering economic growth both regionally and internationally.

The Foreign Ministry reaffirmed Qatar's unwavering support for initiatives aimed at enhancing regional security and stability through dialogue and peaceful resolutions.

They emphasized that these efforts should align with international law and good neighborliness, paving the way for cooperation, development, and prosperity that benefits the peoples of the region and beyond.

Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman stated that the country would continue to support efforts to strengthen security and stability at both regional and international levels through peaceful means.

Kuwait characterized the peace agreement as a significant milestone towards broader strategies for addressing unresolved issues through sustainable solutions.

In their statement, Kuwait's Foreign Ministry called for these solutions to be grounded in good neighborliness principles, including mutual respect, trust-building, non-interference in internal affairs, and the cessation of support for proxy forces.

They asserted that these actions would help establish a foundation for security and stability at both regional and international levels, ensuring continued freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Kuwait urged all parties to approach upcoming negotiations with a constructive spirit to support efforts aimed at enhancing cooperation, stability, and prosperity for the peoples of the region and the world.

The deal was facilitated by mediators, including Pakistan and Qatar, who initially brokered a two-week ceasefire agreement on April 8, which was extended until the conclusion of the talks.

The US and Israel had launched attacks on Iran starting February 28, resulting in the deaths of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several high-ranking commanders.