Amid ongoing tensions in the region, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) pursues a balanced diplomatic policy based on a call for dialogue and support for political processes aimed at ending the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran. GCC members adhere to the principles of good neighborliness and enhancing regional stability and are united in opposing aggression and instability.
In the coming months and years, Gulf unity can be taken even further by enhancing the regional security arrangement, establishing new energy routes and expanding important economic integration projects that will guarantee growth and stability.
At the present moment, the GCC must continue to categorically reject any attempts to gain control over the Strait of Hormuz or use it as a pressure card. The Gulf countries cannot and will not be held hostage under any circumstances.
Imposing restrictions or charges on freedom of navigation through the strait is a gross violation of international law: the Strait of Hormuz is a natural waterway governed by the law of the sea, which guarantees freedom of passage, and cannot be treated as a channel subject to sovereign control or political extortion. Any attempt to impose a new reality or change its legal status will be met with strong action from the GCC states.
It is worth remembering that the Strait is not the legacy of any one party. Its western edge falls within the territory of the GCC member states: the Sultanate of Oman and the United Arab Emirates. This is a reality that reflects the complex geographical and legal character of the strait, and confirms the impossibility of monopolizing or controlling this important waterway.
GCC states must continue to remain united in their rejection of Iranian aggression. No attack can be legally justified under the pretext of “self-defense.” Pursuing a path of aggression has further isolated Iran from the region and the rest of the world; Due to this, it has lost to a great extent the regional sympathy which it once enjoyed.
In this context, it is worth noting that continuation of tensions directly or indirectly benefits many parties at the expense of regional stability. Iran’s policies in the region, including support for armed groups, undermining the principle of good-neighborhood, and instigating conflicts, are contrary to the principle of collective security in the region.
The Gulf countries are not participants in the US-Israeli-Iranian war and will not fall into the trap of being dragged into it. At the same time, it is necessary to establish strong security measures for regional security.
This can be achieved most importantly through the establishment of a joint defense architecture along the lines of “Gulf NATO”, which is likely to involve regional powers such as Turkey or Pakistan to strengthen collective deterrence.
Equally important is the acceleration of a regional network for the transmission of gas, oil, electricity and water, connecting the Gulf states and extending through Saudi Arabia to the Red Sea, through Oman to the Arabian Sea and potentially through Syria to the Mediterranean Sea – diversifying energy routes and strengthening energy security.
Similarly, there is an urgent need to develop a transcontinental rail network connecting East Asia, including China, to Europe through the Arab region, facilitating trade flows, deepening economic integration and reviving the region’s historical role as a global trade hub on the lines of the ancient Silk Road. Such projects will reinforce stability and development and close the door to expansionist agendas or unilateral approaches.
At the same time, it is important to note that regional stability is linked to the Palestinian question. Therefore, it is extremely important to pursue a just and comprehensive solution based on the two-state solution and relevant UN resolutions. The Arab Peace Initiative should be retained as a comprehensive framework for a full and just solution.
In this framework, it is important to adopt a unified Gulf foreign policy on regional and international issues and accelerate the implementation of regional transport projects such as the Gulf Railway and Asia-Europe Economic Corridors. This will deepen economic integration among the Gulf countries and strengthen their international position. True integration cannot be built without a unified policy, shared defense architecture and a clear collective deterrent.
In the end, the message the GCC should convey is clear: Gulf security is a red line, and its stability is a collective responsibility that accepts no compromise. The Gulf countries will remain steadfast in their right to defend their sovereignty and defend their interests by every legitimate means available.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial stance of Al Jazeera.
