Gulf leaders meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss war's fallout
The Gulf capitals remain wary of resumed conflict despite a US-Iran ceasefire after key energy infrastructure in Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia and three other states was damaged in the war.
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan al Saud receives United Arab Emirates' Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan ahead of an exceptional meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the first in-person meeting of Gulf leaders since their states became a front in the Iran war two months ago, In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, April 28, 2026. Saudi Press Agency/Handout via REUTERS
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia welcomed leaders and officials from across the Gulf on Tuesday (April 28) to discuss the ongoing crisis in the region triggered by the US-Israeli war against Iran.
The talks in the coastal city of Jeddah come as the White House considers Iran's latest proposal to end the two-month-old conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The crucial waterway saw roughly 20 per cent of global crude and liquefied natural gas pass through its waters before the war largely choked off maritime traffic.
The meeting marked the first time the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) met in person since the Middle East war began.
The conflict erupted on Feb 28 with US and Israeli strikes on Iran. In retaliation, the Islamic republic launched waves of missiles and drones targeting the Gulf states, badly damaging major energy installations across the region.
Leaders and officials from across the Gulf region were greeted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as they arrived in Jeddah, according to images released by Saudi state media.
"During the summit, a number of topics and issues related to regional and international developments were discussed, as well as the coordination of efforts in response to them," the Saudi Press Agency reported.
A source close to the government told AFP that "the current political and security situation in the region" was being discussed during the summit.
Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani later said in a message posted on social media that the gathering "embodied the unified Gulf position toward the current situation and what it requires in terms of intensified coordination and consultation".
Following the meeting, a statement released by the GCC's secretary general slammed Iran's "blatant attacks" on the Gulf countries.
"These attacks have also led to a sharp loss of trust between GCC states and Iran, requiring Iran to take serious initiatives to rebuild that trust," the statement said.
