GCC Accuses Iran of Escalation, Seeks Role in Crisis Talks

Dubai, March 2026: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on Thursday accused Iran of fuelling tensions in the region and called for an immediate halt to attacks on critical energy infrastructure, while urging that Gulf nations be included in any diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing crisis.

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi said recent developments pointed to a sharp escalation driven by Tehran, warning that such actions posed a serious threat to regional stability. He alleged that Iranian strikes had targeted oil refineries across Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, describing them as “systematic” attacks on vital energy infrastructure.

Calling for global intervention, Al-Budaiwi stressed the need for a unified international response. “The international community must send a unified message to Iran to stop its attacks,” he said, adding that while GCC countries reserve the right to defend themselves, they remain committed to diplomatic solutions.

He also underlined the importance of including GCC member states in any negotiations or agreements aimed at resolving the crisis. According to him, such inclusion is essential to ensuring long-term regional security and stability. The GCC comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

In a strong statement, the GCC chief rejected any attempts to redraw regional boundaries in the aftermath of the conflict, cautioning against changes to the geopolitical map once tensions ease. He further accused Iran of imposing transit charges on vessels passing through the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route. This marks the first time a senior regional official has publicly made such an allegation.

Al-Budaiwi made these remarks during a press conference in Riyadh, reiterating that stability in the Gulf is vital not only for the region but also for global energy security.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)