Key facts
- Gulf states are divided on how to respond to Iran's escalating attacks, hindering unified diplomatic efforts.
- Differing priorities, economic vulnerabilities, and historical tensions are exacerbating divisions within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
- Some Gulf nations can bypass the Strait of Hormuz for oil exports, while others cannot, influencing their strategic approaches.
- The UAE's withdrawal from OPEC and its defense ties with Israel have created friction within the region.
- The U.S. maintains strong relationships with individual GCC countries but faces internal policy splits on regional engagement.
Gulf states are struggling to present a united front against Iran's escalating attacks, hampered by divergent priorities, economic vulnerabilities, and long-standing regional disputes. While countries like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have engaged in diplomatic efforts and issued joint statements condemning Tehran's actions, deep-seated divisions within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are impeding progress toward a unified strategy.
These internal rifts are exacerbated by differing national interests, including alternative shipping routes, entanglement with Iran's infrastructure, and varying economic impacts from the ongoing crisis. The UAE's recent withdrawal from OPEC, partly attributed to disagreements over the Iran conflict, has further strained relationships, particularly with Saudi Arabia. Some analysts describe the GCC as "nonfunctional" due to these extant divisions.
The varied strategic approaches stem from differing vulnerabilities. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman can bypass the critical Strait of Hormuz for oil exports, unlike Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain. This disparity influences their willingness to confront Iran directly. Despite calls for unity and coordination, particularly in light of renewed U.S. strikes and Iranian retaliatory attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, as well as Houthi proxy actions, the bloc remains fractured.
U.S. officials acknowledge strong bilateral relationships with GCC members but note internal policy disagreements regarding regional engagement. While the White House emphasizes partnerships, some in the Pentagon reportedly favor a strategy of disengagement, allowing regional powers to manage the conflict. The situation is further complicated by historical grievances, such as Saudi Arabia's past actions in Yemen and the recent end to the blockade of Qatar.
Despite these challenges, there are efforts to foster cooperation, including joint visits to the U.S. Congress and State Department. An MOU signed between the U.S. and Iran on June 15 reportedly brought regional countries together with a shared goal of ensuring oil and gas movement. However, persistent mistrust remains, with concerns that some nations might be covertly funneling funds to Tehran, potentially at the expense of their neighbors.