Full Breakdown
GCC Leaders Convene in Jeddah Amid Iran War Aftermath
4/29/2026, 8:40:36 AM
Summit Overview
On 28 April 2026, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chaired a GCC consultative summit in Jeddah, the first face-to-face meeting since the United States and Israel struck Iran on 28 February. Leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan), Qatar (Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani), Kuwait (Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah), Bahrain (King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa) and Oman attended.
Background
The February 28 U.S.–Israel strikes on Iran triggered Iranian missile and drone attacks that damaged energy facilities across all six GCC states and halted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which carries about 20 percent of world oil and LNG. A U.S.–Iran ceasefire began on 8 April, but a permanent settlement has not been reached.
Energy Impact and Why It Matters
Iranian strikes have impaired key energy assets in the GCC, prompting concerns over higher oil prices and shipping insurance costs. During the summit the UAE announced its withdrawal from OPEC and OPEC+, citing national interests, a move that could reshape regional oil coordination.
Official Statements
Saudi state media said the summit covered regional and international developments and coordination of efforts. Qatar warned against a frozen conflict that could reignite. The GCC secretariat condemned Iran’s blatant attacks and urged Tehran to rebuild trust. U.S. Vice President JD Vance reiterated U.S. support for Kuwait’s security.
Criticism
The United Arab Emirates’ senior official Anwar Gargash said the GCC’s political and military response was the weakest in its history, reflecting inadequate coordination.
Unresolved Issues
All sources note that attacks have subsided after the 8 April ceasefire, but a lasting U.S.–Iran agreement remains elusive and no timetable for fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz has been set.
Verbatim Quotes
- “During the summit, a number of topics and issues related to regional and international developments were discussed, as well as the coordination of efforts in response to them,” — Saudi Press Agency (SPA)
- “These attacks have also led to a sharp loss of trust between GCC states and Iran, requiring Iran to take serious initiatives to rebuild that trust,” — Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, GCC Secretary General
- “It is true that, logistically, the GCC countries supported each other, but politically and militarily, I think their position was the weakest in history,” — Anwar Gargash, senior UAE official
- “We do not want to see a return to hostilities in the region anytime soon. We do not want to see a frozen conflict that ends up being thawed every time there is a political reason,” — Majed al-Ansari, spokesperson, Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Outlook
U.S. and Iranian negotiators are expected to resume talks soon, while GCC leaders said future summits will focus on concrete maritime coordination to avoid a resurgence of hostilities.
