MANAMA — Foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states welcomed all efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions across the region. They underscored the importance of safeguarding security and stability while ensuring freedom of navigation along vital maritime routes. The US-Iran de-escalation agreement must guarantee Gulf security and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, the ministers emphasized.They made the remarks during a joint ministerial meeting between GCC foreign ministers and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the Bahraini capital Manama on Thursday. Their discussions centered on the latest developments concerning the Iranian issue and the strategic partnership between the two sides. The GCC stated that the meeting reviewed regional developments, as well as ongoing mediation and de-escalation efforts, particularly in light of recent developments related to the US-Iranian memorandum of understanding. It also explored avenues for enhancing regional security and stability. The GCC stressed that any regional understandings or agreements must take into consideration the security interests of the Gulf states and contribute to strengthening regional stability in a manner that safeguards the region’s security as well as its economic and developmental achievements. The meeting further examined ways to deepen the strategic partnership between the GCC countries and the United States, coordinate joint efforts to address prevailing security and political challenges, and support diplomatic initiatives aimed at reducing tensions. The meeting comes amid heightened diplomatic activity across the region, with Gulf states continuing to emphasize dialogue and political solutions as the preferred path for addressing regional issues and ensuring lasting security and stability.