IRIA News

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Leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) gathered in Jeddah on April 28, 2026, for their first in-person summit since the outbreak of the United States-Israel war on Iran two months ago.

The high-level meeting, hosted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, comes at a critical moment as Gulf states navigate the political, economic, and security consequences of the ongoing conflict.

According to Saudi state media, the summit focused on “topics and issues related to regional and international developments, and the coordination of efforts regarding them.”

The meeting brought together key regional leaders, including the Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Crown Prince of Kuwait Sabah Al Khaled Al Hamad Al Sabah, and King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Representation from other member states, including Oman, remained unclear.

The summit marks a significant moment for the GCC, as member states have been directly affected by the war, which began on February 28 following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.

HRH the Crown Prince Welcomes GCC Leaders, Heads of Delegations upon Arrival in Jeddah for Consultative Summithttps://t.co/MQqilF5Tmc#SPAGOV pic.twitter.com/0Rh9jwmaND

— SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) April 28, 2026

Push for a Unified Gulf Position

In the aftermath of the meeting, Qatar’s emir emphasized the importance of regional unity, stating that the summit reflected “the unified Gulf stance” on the war and the need for increased coordination to pursue a diplomatic resolution.

Gulf states have collectively called for efforts to de-escalate tensions and ensure long-term regional stability. A central concern remains the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor that has been largely closed during the conflict.

The waterway typically handles around one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies during peacetime. Its disruption has had significant implications for global markets, contributing to supply shocks and economic uncertainty.

GCC countries have stressed that any future agreement must guarantee the permanent reopening of the strait and establish a sustainable framework to prevent future disruptions.

Impact of War on Gulf Infrastructure

Since the start of the conflict, all six GCC states, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman, have experienced direct or indirect attacks on key infrastructure.

Iranian missile and drone strikes have targeted energy facilities, military installations, and civilian infrastructure, including assets linked to U.S. firms. These attacks have caused widespread concern across the region, exposing vulnerabilities in critical systems.

Although hostilities have decreased following a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran on April 8, Gulf states remain cautious. The absence of a permanent settlement has raised fears of renewed conflict.

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned against the risks of prolonged instability. Spokesperson Majed Al Ansari stated, “We do not want to see a return to hostilities in the region anytime soon. We do not want to see a frozen conflict that ends up being thawed every time there is a political reason.”

Ceasefire Holds Amid Uncertain Negotiations

The current ceasefire between Washington and Tehran has provided temporary relief, but negotiations for a lasting agreement remain inconclusive.

Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, including discussions around an Iranian proposal that could potentially end the war and reopen critical trade routes.

Despite the pause in active hostilities, Gulf capitals remain on alert. The scale of previous attacks and the strategic importance of regional infrastructure have heightened concerns about the durability of the ceasefire.

A Gulf official indicated that the summit aimed to coordinate responses to the thousands of missile and drone attacks experienced since the beginning of the war, while also preparing for potential future scenarios.

UAE Withdrawal from OPEC

The summit also took place against the backdrop of a major shift in regional energy politics. The United Arab Emirates recently announced its decision to withdraw from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the broader OPEC+ alliance.

The move reflects a strategic shift toward prioritizing national interests and increasing production flexibility. Analysts have described the decision as a significant blow to the oil industry, potentially reshaping global energy dynamics.

The UAE’s departure could lead to increased volatility in oil markets, particularly at a time when supply chains are already under strain due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Experts suggest that while the immediate impact on supply may be limited due to ongoing disruptions, the long-term implications could include increased production and shifts in pricing strategies.

Internal Criticism and Calls for Stronger Action

The GCC has also faced internal criticism over its response to the crisis. Senior UAE official Anwar Gargash publicly questioned the bloc’s effectiveness, highlighting perceived shortcomings in its political and military coordination.

“It is true that, logistically, the GCC countries supported each other, but politically and militarily, I think their position was the weakest in history,” Gargash said.

“I expected such a weak position from the Arab League, and I am not surprised by it, but I have not expected it from the GCC, and I am surprised by it.”

These remarks reflect broader concerns about the bloc’s ability to respond collectively to evolving security threats and geopolitical challenges.

Rising Stakes for Regional Stability

The Jeddah summit underscores the growing pressure on Gulf leaders to present a more unified and effective response to the crisis. With the region facing ongoing uncertainty, the need for coordinated strategies has become increasingly urgent.

Key priorities include protecting critical infrastructure, ensuring energy security, and supporting diplomatic efforts to reach a lasting agreement between the United States and Iran.

At the same time, the economic impact of the conflict continues to unfold. Disruptions to energy supplies, rising prices, and shifting alliances are contributing to a complex and rapidly evolving landscape.

As negotiations continue and tensions remain unresolved, the outcome of these discussions will play a crucial role in shaping the future of regional stability and global energy markets.