The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the European Union (EU) concluded a ministerial by welcoming “diplomatic engagement by Saudi Arabia and other GCC states with Iran to pursue regional de-escalation”. The ministers expressed “their commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation and maritime security in the region and their determination to deter illegal actions at sea or elsewhere”. They also urged “Iran to immediately fulfill its nuclear obligations and commitments, reverse its nuclear escalation and fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency”, while reiterating “their support for a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue and their lasting commitment to ensure that the Gulf region remains permanently free of nuclear weapons”. Participants further urged “Iran to cease the proliferation of ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles and other weapons”. The ministers their “support for a peaceful settlement” of the dispute between Iran and the UAE over three islands. Iran condemned the statement.