Gulf leaders to hold consultative summit amid regional tensions

RIYADH/JEDDAH – The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will hold a consultative summit on Tuesday at leadership level in the Saudi city of Jeddah to discuss escalating regional tensions, including repeated attacks attributed to Iran and its regional allies, as well as disruptions to maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.

The meeting comes against the backdrop of heightened instability in the Middle East, where Gulf states have raised concerns over strikes targeting civilian, energy and infrastructure facilities, alongside the temporary closure of the strategic waterway. The disruption has slowed maritime traffic and affected global trade flows.

According to Gulf sources in Riyadh speaking to the German Press Agency, the leaders will review the latest regional developments in light of ongoing Pakistani mediation efforts, and exchange views on future foreign policy approaches toward Iran among the six member states.

The same sources said Gulf leaders have “completely lost trust” in Iran’s leadership, “regardless of any pledges or promises to improve relations”.

The Jeddah summit is expected to focus on coordinated responses to what Gulf states describe as repeated hostile actions, including attacks linked to Iran and allied groups, as well as the broader implications of instability in key shipping routes.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, carrying a significant share of global oil shipments. Its temporary closure during the current crisis has disrupted shipping operations and added pressure to already volatile global energy markets.

Officials said the leaders will also discuss strengthening coordination on foreign policy positions toward Iran going forward, particularly in light of shifting regional dynamics and ongoing diplomatic mediation efforts involving third countries.

Consultative GCC summits are a long-standing mechanism designed to enhance unity and coordination among member states. The format was agreed during the December 1998 GCC summit in Abu Dhabi, held under the chairmanship of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the United Arab Emirates.

The mechanism led to the establishment of semi-annual consultative meetings between GCC leaders, held between formal summits. The first such meeting took place in Jeddah in May 1999.

According to the sources, this week’s summit will reaffirm Gulf leaders’ commitment to preserving the cohesion of the bloc and overcoming internal differences in the face of current regional challenges.

They are also expected to stress the importance of standing united against any threats facing member states, emphasising collective security and solidarity.

The discussions come at a time when Gulf states are seeking to balance diplomatic engagement with heightened security concerns, as regional tensions continue to ripple across energy markets and global supply chains.