Arab League urges international pressure on Tehran as Gulf states demand sovereignty protection
WEB DESK: Foreign Ministers of the Arab League convened an emergency virtual summit on Sunday, 8 March, responding to a surge of Iranian missile and drone attacks across the Gulf and Levant.
The high-level meeting, reported by Radio Pakistan, was formally requested by Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, and Egypt. Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit described Tehran’s strikes as a “massive strategic error,” condemning attacks on civilian infrastructure as violations of international law and the principles of good neighbourliness.
Diplomatic Push for De-escalation
In parallel, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman led urgent diplomatic efforts, holding calls with Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Discussions centered on maintaining regional stability, with Starmer reiterating the UK’s support for Saudi Arabia and condemning the “indiscriminate and reckless” nature of the attacks.
Regional Sovereignty and Security
The Arab League’s statement reaffirmed member states’ rights to defend their territories. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stressed the need for “joint Arab action” to safeguard national security. Ministers also flagged threats to maritime navigation, particularly near the Strait of Hormuz, urging international diplomatic pressure on Tehran to halt hostilities.
With tensions remaining high, analysts suggest the bloc’s unified stance signals both diplomatic resolve and readiness for coordinated defence measures.

