GCC Chief: Iran Must Restore Trust After Recent Regional Attacks
The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi, has stated that Iran has effectively reset its relationship with Gulf nations to "square one" following a series of aggressive attacks across the region. Speaking at the Hili Forum in Abu Dhabi, AlBudaiwi emphasized that the responsibility now lies entirely with Tehran to demonstrate through concrete actions that it is genuinely interested in a productive relationship with its neighbors. Despite earlier diplomatic attempts to foster stability, he noted that Iran has failed to take necessary confidence-building measures, instead opting for targeted strikes that he described as calculated and intentional.
In response to these regional threats, the GCC has accelerated efforts to integrate its economic and security infrastructure. AlBudaiwi highlighted the remarkable coordination between member statesâlikening them to a "beehive"âto maintain supply chains and logistical stability when the Strait of Hormuz faced disruptions. While he expressed frustration over Iranian aggression, particularly noting that the majority of Tehranâs military assets were aimed at Gulf states rather than other regional adversaries, he maintained that the door to dialogue remains open. Ultimately, the GCC is focused on turning temporary crisis-response measures into permanent, resilient systems to ensure regional stability regardless of future tensions.