Gulf States Hold Rare In-Person Summit to Address Iran’s Military Strikes
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — Leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) convened an emergency in-person summit here on Tuesday, the first such gathering since Iran launched a series of military strikes targeting critical infrastructure across the region. The high-stakes meeting, chaired by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, brought together top officials from five of the six member states to coordinate a unified response to the escalating crisis.
The summit underscores the growing urgency among Gulf nations to address the fallout from Iran’s attacks, which have disrupted energy supplies, damaged civilian infrastructure, and raised fears of a broader regional conflict. With global oil markets already volatile, the outcome of these discussions could shape diplomatic and military strategies in the Middle East for months to come.
According to Saudi state media, the meeting focused on “regional and international developments, as well as efforts to coordinate responses to related challenges.” Gulf officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters that the primary goal was to develop a collective strategy to counter Iran’s military actions, which have targeted everything from oil facilities to U.S.-linked businesses and military installations across all six GCC member states.
The gathering in Jeddah marked the first time Gulf leaders have met face-to-face since the conflict with Iran began. Attendees included Qatar’s Emir, Kuwait’s Crown Prince, Bahrain’s King, and the United Arab Emirates’ Foreign Minister. Oman’s representation, if any, remained unclear as of Tuesday evening.
Tensions within the GCC have been simmering in recent days, with some member states publicly criticizing the bloc’s response to Iran’s aggression. The UAE, in particular, has voiced frustration over what it perceives as a lack of decisive action. Anwar Gargash, the UAE’s presidential diplomatic adviser, said Monday that while the Arab League’s cautious stance was expected, the GCC’s approach had been “unexpected and disappointing.” His remarks, carried by regional media, highlighted the divisions that Tuesday’s summit sought to bridge.
The conflict has taken a heavy toll on the Gulf’s energy sector, with major oil and gas facilities in all six GCC countries reporting damage. The attacks have also targeted civilian infrastructure tied to U.S. Companies, as well as military sites, further complicating efforts to stabilize the region. Analysts warn that prolonged disruptions could have ripple effects on global energy prices, particularly as markets remain sensitive to supply chain vulnerabilities.
As the summit concluded, no immediate joint statement was issued, leaving the specifics of any coordinated response unclear. However, the mere fact of the meeting—held under tight security in Jeddah—signaled a rare moment of unity among Gulf states as they grapple with an unprecedented security threat.
For now, the world is watching to see whether the GCC can translate this show of solidarity into concrete action, or if internal divisions will continue to undermine its ability to respond effectively to Iran’s military campaign.
