GCC Leaders Hold First Direct Meeting Since War, Call for Unity

Leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council held their first direct meeting since the start of the war, emphasizing the need for strong unity among member states.

According to Al Jazeera, the meeting took place on Tuesday, where Gulf nations collectively called for a unified stance amid ongoing regional tensions.

Middle East political analyst Zaidan Alkinani said that despite differences on several issues, the meeting delivered a clear message of unity.

He noted that this show of cohesion contradicts earlier predictions that Gulf countries might emerge from the conflict weakened or divided.

While GCC countries have maintained communication throughout the conflict, their positions on Iran differ.

According to Alkinani, countries like Qatar and Oman typically prioritize diplomacy and favor dialogue-first approaches. In contrast, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are considering preventive measures against potential Iranian threats.

Reports indicate that during the conflict, Iran launched attacks targeting key energy infrastructure across GCC member states, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

The report also mentioned that facilities linked to the United States, along with civilian and military infrastructure, were among the targets.

Despite internal differences, the meeting highlights a shared recognition among Gulf nations of the need for coordination and stability in a volatile regional environment. Analysts say continued dialogue and cooperation will be critical in managing both security risks and geopolitical challenges moving forward.