Gulf leaders meet to discuss strategies to deal with Iran

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on April 28 chaired a consultation meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Jeddah. This is the first time leaders of countries in the region have met directly since the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran broke out in late February.

“The conference discussed issues related to regional and international developments, as well as coordination of efforts related to them,” the state news agency said. Saudi Press Agency reported.

An unnamed Gulf official told Reuters that the meeting “aims to develop a response plan to Iran’s missile and drone attacks”. AFP Quoting a source, leaders of countries in the region “discussed the current political and security situation in the Gulf region”.

The Kings of Qatar and Bahrain, Crown Prince of Kuwait, and Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) participated in the conference. It is unclear who represents Oman. The UAE has criticized the GCC for “not responding adequately to the conflict”.

“GCC countries have supported each other logistically. However, the group’s political and military position is at its lowest level in history,” said senior advisor to UAE President Anwar Gargash on April 27. “I expected such a weak stance from the Arab League, but I did not expect and was surprised that the GCC did the same.”

After the war broke out, Iran launched many missiles and UAVs at Israel and a series of Gulf countries where the US had bases in retaliation. In addition to a series of military bases, the raids caused damage to energy infrastructure in six GCC member states, offices of US-affiliated companies and a number of other civilian facilities.

Iran stopped attacking after reaching a ceasefire agreement with the US on April 8. However, Gulf countries are still concerned about the risk of continued conflict as negotiations between the US and Iran have so far failed to produce results. Iran has also repeatedly warned of the possibility of attacking Gulf countries if hostilities recur.