Jassim Al-Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, affirmed that Iran's treacherous attacks on Gulf states and the Houthi militia's threats to close the Bab el-Mandeb strait necessitate immediate accountability and a firm international stance that ensures respect for the rules of international law, guarantees freedom of navigation, and protects critical infrastructure linked to energy and natural resources.

This came during his speech at the high-level open debate of the UN Security Council titled 'Governance of Natural Resources: A Pillar for Peace, Security, and Prosperity' in New York on Wednesday. Al-Budaiwi said this topic is gaining increasing importance amid the major challenges facing the international community and the resulting necessity to strengthen the interconnection between security and sustainable development.

The Secretary-General explained that when natural resources are managed according to principles of good governance, transparency, rule of law, and international cooperation, they become an effective tool for development and prosperity at both national and international levels. However, if used as a means of war or political pressure, or if associated infrastructure is targeted or supply routes disrupted, they become a source of instability, with negative repercussions on the global economy and international peace and security.

Al-Budaiwi added: 'Based on this conviction, the Gulf states have made good governance of natural resources a fundamental pillar of their national and collective policies,' noting that they possess about 30 percent of global oil reserves and nearly 20 percent of natural gas reserves, and contribute roughly a quarter of global oil production, making them a reliable partner in stabilizing global energy markets even during times of crises and geopolitical fluctuations.

The debate was held under the title 'Governance of Natural Resources: A Pillar for Peace, Security and Prosperity' (GCC).

The Secretary-General stated that the Gulf states have continued to use their natural resource revenues to build more diversified and sustainable economies, invest in human capital, develop infrastructure, promote innovation, and launch ambitious national visions on one hand, while expanding renewable energy and low-emission hydrogen projects on the other, reflecting their commitment to balancing energy security and climate action.

Al-Budaiwi stressed that governance of natural resources is inseparable from the security of global supply chains, especially the protection of critical infrastructure and international sea lanes through which global trade and energy supplies pass, as they are fundamental pillars for the stability of the global economy. He affirmed that any attack on these lanes or disruption of navigation in them not only threatens the interests of exporting states but also directly impacts global energy security, supply chains, and international market stability.

The Secretary-General pointed out that since February 28 of last year, Iran has continued to launch ballistic missile and drone attacks against Gulf states and others without any legitimate justification, in flagrant violation of the principles of international law, the UN Charter, and norms of good neighborliness. He stated that these ongoing attacks still pose a serious danger to the Gulf states and the regional and international community, disrupt the path of development and stability, and expose the global economy to severe risks.

Al-Budaiwi called on the international community, foremost the Security Council, to assume its legal responsibilities to put an end to those attacks and deter Iran from continuing its aggressive policies, in order to preserve international peace and security and safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. He stressed that these attacks not only target the victim states but also represent an extension of a policy that harms the Iranian people themselves, who are suffering under the weight of a regime that squanders the country's resources on policies of escalation and conflict instead of directing them toward development, prosperity, improving the living standards of its citizens, and securing their future.

Jassim Al-Budaiwi affirmed that the topic of the session is gaining increasing importance amid the major challenges facing the international community (GCC).

The Secretary-General noted that this Iranian behavior is rejected and contradicts the UN Charter, undermines international efforts aimed at achieving peace, security, and prosperity, and underscores the need for a firm international stance that ensures respect for the rules of international law, guarantees freedom of navigation, and protects critical infrastructure related to energy and natural resources.

Al-Budaiwi also strongly condemned the irresponsible hostile statements issued by the Houthi militia, including false claims against Saudi Arabia and threats to close the Bab el-Mandeb strait, in a dangerous escalation that represents a flagrant violation of international law and a direct threat to freedom of international navigation and the safety of one of the most important strategic sea lanes in the world. He affirmed that such threats affect the security and stability of the entire region and undermine international efforts to protect global supply chains and ensure the flow of international trade and energy supplies.

The Secretary-General continued that the Houthi threats require a firm international stance rejecting them and affirming that no party will be allowed to use international sea lanes as a bargaining chip or a means to undermine international peace and security. He reiterated the GCC's full support for the measures taken by Saudi Arabia to protect its security, the integrity of its territory, and its vital interests, stressing the Gulf states' position on navigation based on established principles of international law.

Part of the high-level open debate of the UN Security Council in New York on Wednesday (GCC).

Al-Budaiwi explained that Iran's dangerous practices targeting freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz constitute a violation of international law and undermine confidence in the security of one of the world's most important sea lanes. They have also resulted in human losses and suffering affecting more than 20,000 sailors of various nationalities, in addition to their direct impact on international trade and supply chains. This calls for full support of the efforts made by the International Maritime Organization to address this crisis and ensure the safety of navigation and protection of civilians.

The Secretary-General affirmed the success achieved by the Gulf states in utilizing their natural resources to serve sustainable development and enhance prosperity for their peoples, maintain the stability of energy markets and the global economy, and provide humanitarian and development support to needy countries. He stressed their commitment to remaining a source of stability rather than disruption, a reliable partner in securing global energy supplies, and a consistent voice for dialogue, de-escalation, and the primacy of the rule of law.