U.S. and Gulf States Issue Joint Statement on Middle East Security

⋅ The ministers stressed the need to maintain unity in negotiations on Iran in pursuit of the shared goal of preventing Tehran from developing or acquiring nuclear weapons.

⋅ The statement says that long-term peace also requires addressing other issues, including Iran’s ballistic-missile and drone programs and its support for proxy groups in the region.

⋅ The ministers stressed the importance of an open Strait of Hormuz, but rejected any tariffs, fees or attempts to establish control over it.

⋅ Trade and investment relations with Iran, the statement notes, are conditional and may be rolled back. They depend on Tehran’s compliance with the provisions of the memorandum and the final agreement, the cessation of destabilizing activities and the creation of conditions for economic engagement.

⋅ The parties agreed to continue cooperation with the Syrian government and to assist it in addressing key tasks: fighting terrorism, restoring basic services, improving the investment climate and creating conditions for the voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons.

⋅ The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to Lebanon’s sovereignty, security, stability and territorial integrity. They also welcomed ongoing bilateral talks between Israel and Lebanon, mediated by the United States, aimed at creating conditions for a long-term peace agreement and a security agreement.

⋅ The statement calls for the complete disarmament of all proxy groups in Lebanon and the restoration of the Lebanese state’s monopoly on the use of force.

⋅ The ministers reaffirmed their support for Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to end the conflict in Gaza.

⋅ The participants welcomed Trump’s statement that the United States opposes the annexation of the West Bank. They also stressed that Gaza’s reconstruction and reforms of the Palestinian Authority should create the conditions for a credible path toward Palestinian self-determination and statehood.

⋅ The statement separately says that no one will be forced to leave Gaza, and that those who decide to leave will be free to return.