Iran rejects US-GCC joint statement on nuclear programme
Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned a joint statement issued by the United States and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) foreign ministers that called for curbing Tehran's nuclear programme, describing the remarks as "interventionist, irresponsible and provocative." The statement, released on Friday and carried by state media Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), warned against what it termed continued "belligerent and interventionist behaviours" in the region.
The Iranian reaction came hours after the US-GCC ministerial meeting held in Manama, Bahrain, on June 25, co-chaired by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, who currently chairs the GCC Ministerial Council. The joint statement from the meeting welcomed a June 17 memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Washington and Tehran aimed at ending hostilities in West Asia, but stressed the need for continued negotiations toward a permanent end to hostilities and preventing Iran from developing or acquiring a nuclear weapon.
Full spectrum of Iran's threats addressed
The US-GCC joint statement called for addressing what it described as the full spectrum of threats linked to Iran, including its ballistic missile programme, drones, and support for regional proxy groups. "They stressed the need to maintain momentum and unity as negotiations proceed toward a more permanent end to hostilities and the shared objective of preventing Iran from ever developing or otherwise acquiring a nuclear weapon," the statement read. "The Ministers further emphasised that lasting regional peace and security require addressing the full spectrum of Iran's threats, including its ballistic missiles, drones, and support of proxies in the region."
Iran's foreign ministry responded by asserting that such positions are interventionist and provocative, and warned of consequences for what it called belligerent behaviour. The ministry's statement, as quoted by IRIB, said: "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran considered the positions contained in the joint statement of the US Secretary of State and the Foreign Ministers of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council - dated June 25, 2026 - as interventionist, irresponsible and provocative and warned against the continuation of belligerent and interventionist behaviours in the region."
Strait of Hormuz and economic engagement
The US-GCC joint statement also emphasised the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, stating that free and unrestricted navigation under international law was essential for regional and global security. The statement rejected any tolls, fees, or attempts to assert control over the strategic waterway. Additionally, the ministers said that economic engagement with Iran would remain conditional and reversible, depending on Tehran's compliance with the MoU and any final agreement, as well as changes in its regional policies.
Iran has not yet officially responded to the specific points regarding the Strait of Hormuz or economic conditions, but its general condemnation signals ongoing tensions despite the recent MoU. The June 17 agreement between Washington and Tehran was seen as a step toward de-escalation, but the US-GCC statement indicates that Gulf states remain wary of Iran's broader regional activities.
Regional implications and next steps
The exchange highlights the fragile nature of diplomatic progress in West Asia. While the MoU between the US and Iran aims to reduce hostilities, Gulf Arab states continue to press for comprehensive curbs on Iran's nuclear and missile programmes, as well as its support for proxy forces. Iran's sharp rejection suggests that significant differences remain, and further negotiations will be needed to address the full spectrum of concerns raised by the US and GCC.
Analysts note that the joint statement's conditional language on economic engagement gives Washington leverage but also risks alienating Tehran if perceived as overly restrictive. The coming weeks may see renewed diplomatic efforts to build on the MoU while managing the deep mistrust between Iran and its Gulf neighbours.
