GCC Urges Russia to Pressure Iran on Attacks Amidst Gulf Security Framework Proposal

The Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) has called upon Russia to leverage its influence within the UN Security Council to compel Iran to cease its attacks on Gulf states. This appeal was made during a meeting in Bahrain with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Speaking at the Gulf-Russia foreign ministers' gathering in Manama on Sunday, GCC Secretary General Jasem Al Budaiwi highlighted that member states are enduring unprecedented attacks, posing significant risks to shipping and energy supplies.

The GCC urged Moscow to "play an active role in pressing Tehran" to adhere to UN resolutions, halt its assaults, and engage in "serious dialogue" with the Gulf nations. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov stated that Russia backs diplomatic initiatives aimed at averting a resurgence of full-scale conflict and presented an updated Russian concept for collective security within the Gulf region.

Regarding the conflict in Ukraine, where Russia has been engaged in hostilities for nearly five years, Al Budaiwi affirmed the bloc's continued support for dialogue and diplomacy to achieve a peaceful and comprehensive political resolution.

Al Budaiwi detailed that Iranian attacks on GCC states since February 28, following the commencement of the war between the US and Israel against Iran, have involved over 7,000 ballistic missiles and drones. These strikes targeted airports, ports, power stations, water desalination plants, and oil and gas facilities.

Furthermore, Al Budaiwi condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, specifically mentioning the October 10 incident at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which resulted in 12 fatalities and over 300 injuries. He reiterated the GCC's full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and called for a firm international stance against attacks on the kingdom.

The GCC Secretary General also pointed out that Iran's interference with maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and its threats to shipping in the Red Sea and Bab Al Mandeb strait jeopardize global energy and food security, as well as international supply chains. He advocated for the restoration of maritime traffic through Hormuz to its pre-February 28 status.

The Russian proposal for Gulf security envisions direct dialogue among the region's coastal states and neighboring countries, including Iraq and Jordan, with potential backing from the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation, and the permanent members of the UN Security Council. Lavrov emphasized that the Gulf states should have the primary role in shaping their regional security arrangements, stating, "Our concept is specifically designed to foster conditions for direct dialogue among the Gulf’s coastal states and their neighbours, such as Iraq and Jordan." He also underscored the importance of ties with GCC states as a foreign policy priority for Russia, noting a 45 percent increase in trade between Russia and GCC member states in 2025. Lavrov attributed the regional crisis to an "unprovoked act of aggression" by the US and Israel against Iran.

The meeting, presided over by Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, also covered the Palestinian cause, Syria, and the Russia-Ukraine war. Al Budaiwi reiterated the GCC's support for an independent Palestinian state based on 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and called for a Gaza ceasefire consolidation and the implementation of its second phase, ensuring Israeli withdrawal and unimpeded humanitarian aid. Regarding Syria, he reaffirmed the GCC’s commitment to the country's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. The ministers also explored avenues for enhanced cooperation in trade, energy, education, health, agriculture, and other sectors under the GCC-Russia Joint Action Plan for 2023-2028.