Fierce Gulf Dispute Over Ending the War with Iran: 'The Bloc Is Not Functioning'

The GCC is divided on how to end the war with Iran. According to a Politico report, Gulf states are split over their alignment with US policy, alternative shipping routes, dependence on Iranian infrastructure, and economic damage. An Iraqi diplomat said, 'They are not on the same wavelength.' The UAE's withdrawal from OPEC in April exacerbated the rift.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) wants to end the war with Iran, but a Politico report reveals deep divisions among member states on how to achieve this. According to the report, US officials noted that some Gulf states align more closely with the Trump administration's policy than others. The gaps stem from alternative shipping routes, the degree of dependence on Iranian infrastructure, and the severity of economic damage to each country. An Iraqi diplomat said the states coordinate positions with the US Congress and State Department, but in practice 'they are not on the same wavelength.' The war has exacerbated historical disputes, and the UAE's withdrawal from OPEC in April sparked anger in Saudi Arabia. An Arab diplomat told Politico: 'The GCC bloc is no longer functioning, and the Gulf will never return to what it was.' About two weeks ago, Kan News reported that the Emirates have lost patience with Iranian aggression, and a former Emirati parliament member said, 'There is no trust in the Iranians. They need to be taught a hard lesson.'