On April 28, 2026, Gulf leaders gathered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for an exceptional summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This marked the first in-person meeting since the ongoing conflict began, which has seen extensive Iranian military actions against Gulf states in response to U.S. and Israeli strikes that commenced on February 28.

The meeting was convened to formulate a cohesive response to the thousands of missile and drone attacks launched by Iran, which have severely impacted the energy infrastructure and civilian facilities across member states, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and others. A senior Gulf official stated that the gravity of Iranian aggression necessitates urgent and coordinated action among the six GCC states.

In recent weeks, Iranian forces have targeted essential energy sites and military installations, leading to significant damage throughout the region. Although a ceasefire was declared on April 8, tensions remain high, and leaders are acutely aware that further attacks are possible. The GCC meeting aims to solidify a united front against Iran, enhancing defense collaborations and seeking diplomatic avenues to stabilize the region.

Criticism has emerged within the GCC, particularly from the UAE, regarding perceived weaknesses in the council's earlier responses to Iranian provocations. Senior UAE official Anwar Gargash labeled the political and military response as insufficient, reflecting frustrations among member states over their collective capability to address the ongoing crisis effectively.

Present at the meeting were regional leaders, including Qatar’s emir, Kuwait’s crown prince, and the foreign ministers of Bahrain and the UAE. Oman, the remaining GCC member, has yet to announce its representative. The gathering underscores a move towards increased solidarity among Gulf states as they face a rapidly evolving security landscape driven by Iranian military actions.

As discussions unfold, the council is tasked with balancing pressure on Iran with the need for stability in the region, highlighting the intricate dynamics at play within Middle Eastern geopolitics.