The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has condemned attacks on two Emirati oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, with Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi describing the incident as an “explicit violation” of UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which calls for the protection of international navigation.

GCC chief denounces Iran’s repeated attacks on Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait and Jordan, calling them violations of international law and maritime security.

The UAE Ministry of Defence said the country retained its full right to respond and take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and security.