Key facts
- Prince Turki al-Faisal advocated for a unified GCC defense network to counter regional threats.
- He criticized Iran's regional ambitions and support for groups like Hezbollah and Houthis.
- He urged Israel to cease its actions and called for Western countries to stop backing Israel.
- He also implored the US to reinforce its security partnership with the GCC, citing perceived policy confusion.
- During a GCC-USA Summit, leaders lauded Saudi Arabia's regional and global role.
Prince Turki al-Faisal, Saudi Arabia's former intelligence chief and ambassador, has called for enhanced unity among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, advocating for a joint defense network to collectively address regional threats. He expressed these views in an article published in Asharq Al-Awsat, emphasizing the need for the GCC to act as a unified front.
Al-Faisal also directed criticism towards Iran, urging it to abandon its perceived ambitions for regional dominance and to cease its support for groups such as Hezbollah and the Houthis. Concurrently, he called upon Israel to halt its actions, which he described as "bloody brutality," and to cease the seizure of Arab lands. He further contended that Western nations should discontinue their diplomatic and military backing that, in his view, shields Israel from accountability.
In separate remarks at an Atlantic Council conference, Prince Turki bin Faisal Al Saud implored the United States to reinforce its security partnership with the GCC. He cited the U.S. "failure" in Afghanistan and "semi-failure" in Iraq as indicators of confused regional policies and expressed a lack of confidence in the current U.S. administration's ability to maintain a strong security relationship with GCC partners. These comments come amid ongoing bilateral disagreements over energy and security issues impacting Saudi-U.S. relations.
During a GCC-USA Summit in Riyadh, U.S. President Donald J. Trump and leaders from GCC member states expressed gratitude and appreciation for Saudi Arabia's pivotal role in supporting regional and international issues. They lauded the Kingdom's efforts in strengthening solidarity, joint action, and peaceful initiatives. King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain commended Saudi Arabia's humanitarian efforts and leadership in conflict resolution, while Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah affirmed the GCC states' commitment to regional and global security through dialogue and cooperation.