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The 19th consultative meeting of the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries was held in Jeddah on April 28, with the participation of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The leaders issued a statement addressing Iranian attacks on GCC states and Jordan, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the disruption of maritime transport and supply chains, in addition to the need for joint Gulf arrangements that go beyond immediate reactions and instead build a long-term strategic vision.
In light of all this, the core political message emphasized the importance of finding “a diplomatic path to end the crisis” and paving the way for “agreements and understandings that address the sources of concern for GCC states.” This reflects a desire among the participating countries to move toward a genuine and historic settlement that removes the roots of the Iranian threat, which has persisted since the 1979 revolution, and to link any de-escalation to verifiable security and political guarantees.
The summit sought to broaden the concept of “Gulf security” so that it is no longer confined to border protection but also encompasses navigation, ports, airports, railways, energy, water, strategic reserves and supply chains. This means that any attack on or disruption of one of these vital sectors would affect the others, resulting in a broader security imbalance, as these elements form an interconnected system that cannot be viewed in isolation.
There is a desire to move toward a genuine and historic settlement that removes the roots of the Iranian threat
Hassan Al-Mustafa
The Iranian attacks targeting civilian and infrastructure facilities were described in the summit’s statement as violations of sovereignty, international law and the principles of good neighborliness. It noted that these actions have led to a “sharp loss of trust by GCC states in Iran,” making the restoration of trust an Iranian responsibility to be demonstrated through actions, not verbal commitments.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz was a key issue at the summit, with the statement rejecting “Iran’s illegal measures to close the strait and obstruct navigation,” while deeming “the imposition of fees under any circumstances or designation for the passage of ships” to be unlawful. It called for conditions in the strait to return to what they were prior to Feb. 28.
Reopening the Strait of Hormuz is considered a necessary first step toward a comprehensive end to the war. The strait is not a marginal negotiating issue subject to Iranian bargaining or coercion, but rather a vital artery for energy, trade and maritime transport. Any threat to its security implies that Iran could continue to use the global economy as leverage in the future.
Riyadh was keen to give the consultative summit strong political momentum and to position it as a foundation for the postcrisis phase, shaping future arrangements and cooperation in ways that serve and protect the Gulf states from potential attacks.
A Saudi figure I spoke with, who is closely following the issue, highlighted the crown prince’s commitment to “consultation with GCC leaders,” strengthening “Gulf integration and joint action,” and coordinating efforts to contain the security and economic repercussions. He also noted that the summit was held “at an extremely sensitive moment that has led to a major shift in the regional security system,” requiring “the development of a comprehensive Gulf strategy to enhance crisis management mechanisms.”
Gulf states will need to deal with the consequences of the war in ways that differ from the pre-war period
Hassan Al-Mustafa
From this, it can be concluded that the Gulf states will need to deal with the consequences of the war across various sectors in ways that differ from the pre-war period. This requires not only stopping Iranian attacks and lifting the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz but also resetting the rules of regional conduct that have allowed threats to Gulf sovereignty and vital interests.
The next step may involve transforming Gulf security into a joint defensive structure. The statement affirmed that the security of GCC states is indivisible and that any attack on one member state “is a direct attack on all.” It also called for “intensifying military integration” and “accelerating the completion of a ballistic missile early warning system.”
In practical terms, this means establishing an integrated Gulf missile defense system, a unified early warning and detection center, and real-time intelligence sharing through interconnected radar systems and joint operational protocols to address missile, drone, maritime and cyber threats.
Gulf military deterrence will be incomplete without logistical depth. This can be achieved through economic alignment and close logistical cooperation, as demonstrated by the peoples of the Gulf during this war, with Saudi Arabia opening its crossings, airports and ports to serve GCC states and their citizens. The Kingdom’s Red Sea ports became an alternative to Gulf ports that were under threat from Iranian fire.
Land transport trucks, railways and airports have also played an effective role in compensating for the disruption caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Therefore, accelerating the Gulf Railway project, linking ports, unifying transport standards, facilitating the movement of goods and establishing strategic stockpile zones all become integral to overall Gulf security, requiring urgent implementation.
These tracks must proceed in parallel: politically, militarily, economically and logistically. While future visions must respect the sovereignty of each state, they must also take into account their collective security and the threats surrounding the Gulf in order to build effective, actionable joint policies that meet the aspirations of GCC populations and protect them from future wars.
- Hassan Al-Mustafa is a Saudi writer and researcher specializing in Islamist movements, the evolution of religious discourse, and relations between the Gulf states and Iran. X: @Halmustafa