Story perspectives

Saudi Crown Prince Leads First GCC Summit amid Iran Conflict

4/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chaired a GCC meeting in Jeddah on April 28, the first summit since the Iran war began.
Anwar Gargash, UAE senior official, called the GCC’s military response the weakest in its history.
Qatar’s emir, Kuwait’s crown prince and the UAE foreign minister attended, with Oman’s representation unclear.
Since the U.S.–Iran ceasefire on April 8, attacks have lessened, leaving Gulf capitals cautious about a possible resurgence.

History

Historical Context

After Iraq’s August 1990 invasion of Kuwait, the UN authorized a 42-nation coalition that began air strikes on 17 January 1991 and liberated Kuwait by 28 February 1991 under U.S. General H. Norman Schwarzkopf. Saudi Arabia contributed roughly 60,000 troops to the effort. Today Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s GCC summit in Jeddah recalls that collective Gulf defense against Iraqi aggression.

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Story summary

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chaired a GCC meeting in Jeddah on April 28, the first summit since the Iran war began.
Anwar Gargash, UAE senior official, called the GCC’s military response the weakest in its history.
Qatar’s emir, Kuwait’s crown prince and the UAE foreign minister attended, with Oman’s representation unclear.
Since the U.S.–Iran ceasefire on April 8, attacks have lessened, leaving Gulf capitals cautious about a possible resurgence.

1 / 2