Saudi Arabia hosts Gulf Cooperation Council meeting to discuss response to Iranian strikesresponse to Iranian strikes
Saudi Arabia will host an exceptional meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council in Jeddah on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, bringing together Gulf leaders for the first in-person gathering since their states became a front in the war with Iran two months ago. The meeting addresses recent Iranian missile and drone strikes on Gulf countries, including attacks on energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, and others.
This summit signals rising tensions in the Gulf amid the broader US-Iran conflict, where Gulf states condemn Iran's actions as violations of sovereignty and urge an immediate halt. Leaders warn of wider regional escalation and seek coordinated measures to protect security, potentially reshaping alliances and diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.
Gulf States Perspective
Gulf leaders view Iranian strikes as direct aggression violating sovereignty and international law. They demand Tehran halt attacks immediately and hold Iran responsible for escalating regional instability. Coordination among GCC members and allies aims to defend energy infrastructure and ensure inclusion in any resolution talks.
Iranian Retaliation Framing
Iran's actions respond to US-Israeli strikes that initiated the war two months ago. Tehran targets US interests and bases in Gulf countries as retaliation, while Gulf condemnations overlook the initial attacks on Iran. This perspective highlights shattered trust in prior rapprochement efforts brokered by Iraq and China.
- **Qasem Soleimani** commanded Iran's Quds Force, expanding proxy militias across the Middle East before his 2020 US killing.
- **Strait of Hormuz**, vital chokepoint near GCC states, carries 20% of global oil trade daily.
- Oman has historically mediated Saudi-Iran talks, fostering regional de-escalation efforts.
US-Iran Ceasefire War
The United States launched military strikes against Iran on June 26, 2026, in response to a drone attack on a commercial cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a "foolish violation" of the 60-day ceasefire agreement signed just days earlier[2][4][14].
26 June, 09:35 PM
US launches strikes against Iran following commercial ship attack26 June, 04:47 PM
Trump calls Iran drone attack on cargo ship a ceasefire violation
