They also highlighted attacks carried out by Iran-aligned armed factions operating from Iraq targeting regional countries.

Six Arab countries, including Qatar, issued a joint statement on Wednesday renewing their condemnation of attacks by Iran and its proxies on the region, as well as destabilising acts by entities linked to Hezbollah.

The countries—Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan—described the attacks as a “flagrant violation” of sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law.

They said they condemned the Iranian attacks “whether carried out directly or through their proxies and armed factions they support in the region”.

The statement comes after the 28 February strikes by the U.S. and Israel on Iran, which Tehran responded to with attacks across the Gulf. Iran has said it was targeting U.S. interests in the region, as well as key energy infrastructure.

The escalation has drawn strong criticism from Iran’s neighbours, who have repeatedly condemned and rejected the attacks regardless of the justification offered.

“The countries also reaffirmed their full and inherent right to self-defence against these criminal attacks in accordance with Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, which guarantees the right of states to self-defence, individually and collectively,” the statement said.

The Arab countries also slammed the attacks as a blatant violation of UN Security Council Resolution No. 2817 (2026), which calls on Iran to halt all attacks or threats against neighbouring states, including through proxy groups.

Kuwait arrested a Hezbollah-linked cell on 16 March, accusing it of seeking to destabilise the country’s security and recruit individuals to join the organisation.

“We further condemn the destabilising acts and activities targeting the security and stability of the region’s countries, which are planned by sleeper cells loyal to Iran and terrorist organisations linked to Hezbollah, and praise our brave armed forces for confronting these attacks,” the Arab countries said.

They also specifically highlighted attacks launched by Iran-aligned armed factions operating from Iraq targeting regional countries, their facilities and infrastructure, while affirming strong ties with Baghdad.

The six Arab countries urged the Iraqi government to take the necessary measures to immediately halt the attacks launched by factions, militias, and armed groups from its territory toward neighbouring countries.

“While we value our fraternal relations with the Republic of Iraq, we call on the Iraqi government to take the necessary measures to immediately halt the attacks launched by factions, militias, and armed groups from Iraqi territory toward neighbouring countries,” the statement said.