UK, GCC states, Jordan condemn Houthi attack on Saudi vessel

RIYADH — The United Kingdom, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, and Jordan strongly condemned the Houthi attack on the Saudi-operated vessel ENCELIA in the Red Sea, reaffirming solidarity with Saudi Arabia and calling for the protection of international navigation.The UK Foreign Office condemned the attack, describing it as a reckless act that endangered lives, risked causing an environmental disaster and undermined regional stability in violation of international law.The ministry reaffirmed Britain's solidarity with Saudi Arabia and called on the Houthis to immediately cease such attacks.In a separate joint statement, the GCC member states and Jordan reaffirmed their unified position in condemning Iran's aggression and the actions of its proxies against their territories, citing previous GCC and Arab League resolutions, international law and UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026).The seven countries said attacks attributed to Iran had continued since Feb. 28, 2026, and had intensified after the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran on June 17. They said Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan had been particularly affected by attacks targeting energy facilities, desalination plants, ports, airports and other civilian infrastructure.The statement described the attacks as violations of the UN Charter, international law, international humanitarian law and UN Security Council Resolution 2817, saying they also breached commitments undertaken by Iran under the memorandum of understanding.The countries reaffirmed their inherent right to self-defense, individually and collectively, under Article 51 of the UN Charter, and said they would take all lawful measures necessary to protect their sovereignty, citizens, commercial shipping and critical infrastructure.They welcomed the Iraqi prime minister's decision to ensure that all weapons are placed under state control by Sept. 30, 2026, and expressed support for measures aimed at preventing Iran-backed armed groups from launching attacks against countries in the region.The seven countries also called on the UN Security Council to adopt an urgent resolution demanding an immediate halt to the attacks and recognizing the right of affected states to defend themselves.They reaffirmed their commitment to freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab Al-Mandab Strait and expressed readiness to work with regional countries and the International Maritime Organization to establish lasting arrangements consistent with international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.The statement further expressed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and support for measures taken by the Kingdom to safeguard its sovereignty, security and stability, while commending Saudi Arabia and Oman for their diplomatic efforts to reach a comprehensive political solution to the Yemen crisis and acknowledging the Kingdom's continued humanitarian and development support for Yemen.Separately, the UAE condemned the Houthi attack on ENCELIA, describing it as a serious threat to international maritime safety and security and a dangerous escalation targeting the stability of vital global shipping lanes.The UAE called on the international community to ensure the implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2216 on Yemen and Resolution 2722 on freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, stressing that freedom of navigation in international waterways is guaranteed under international law and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.The UAE also reaffirmed its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and support for all measures taken by the Kingdom to preserve its security and stability.