Von Der Leyen: Gulf and European Security Are Interconnected; Iran Must Not Possess Nuclear Weapons

BRUSSELS, April 17 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen affirmed on Thursday that the security of the Gulf region and Europe are inseparable, declaring the European Union’s full solidarity with the Gulf Cooperation Council and its member states in the face of what she described as unjustified Iranian aggression.

Von der Leyen made the remarks following a meeting in Brussels with Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the GCC, stating that recent developments had made clear why Iran must not be permitted to acquire nuclear weapons.

“Recent developments clearly demonstrate why Iran must not possess nuclear weapons”, von der Leyen said.

The statement comes amid intensifying international focus on Iran’s nuclear programme, following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran over the fate of the country’s enriched uranium stockpiles.

Von der Leyen acknowledged the role played by several Gulf states in mediating efforts related to the Russia – Ukraine war, describing their solidarity as a meaningful contribution to global stability. She stressed that the current geopolitical climate demands a deeper and more structured partnership between the European Union and Gulf nations.

The EU-GCC Summit scheduled for later this year was cited by von der Leyen as a key opportunity to advance and formalise that partnership across political, economic and security dimensions.

She also indicated she looks forward to continuing discussions in Cyprus next week, signaling that EU-Gulf engagement will remain high on the bloc’s diplomatic agenda in the near term.