GCC Internal Divisions Over Iran Strategy Threaten Unity

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is in the midst of a fierce internal debate over the proper way to end the military campaign with Iran. According to a report published Sunday by Politico, while all member states want to see an end to the war, they are deeply divided on the strategy and actions required to reach that goal.

The organization, which includes Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, faces profound internal rifts. U.S. officials noted that some Gulf nations align far more closely with the Trump administration's policy and objectives than others, further deepening the internal divide.

Alternative Shipping Routes and Infrastructure Reliance

The splits and gaps between these nations stem from several key factors. Chief among them is the availability of alternative shipping routes. While some countries have access to alternative trade paths, others rely almost entirely on passage through the Strait of Hormuz, which faces constant Iranian threats.

Additionally, a major point of contention centers on how much each country's infrastructure relies on Iran. Some member states have maintained economic and infrastructure ties with Tehran, while others cut them off almost completely. The severity of economic damage suffered during the crisis also varies significantly from country to country, directly shaping each nation's willingness to continue fighting or seek a compromise.

Trump and Bin Salman (Photo: The White House)

"Not on the Same Wavelength"

An Iraqi diplomat speaking with Politico revealed the true depth of the divide. He explained that while the member states coordinate their messaging and public stances in meetings with the U.S. Congress and the State Department, behind closed doors "they are not on the same wavelength". The external coordination merely masks deep disagreements over actual strategy.

The war with Iran has also exacerbated historic tensions that predated the conflict. One of the clearest signs of the rift came in April when the UAE withdrew from OPEC, a move that sparked intense anger from Saudi Arabia, which viewed the exit as a betrayal of shared interests.

"The GCC Bloc No Longer Functions"

A senior Arab diplomat delivered a grim assessment to Politico: "The GCC bloc no longer functions, and the Gulf will never be the same again". His comments reflect a growing realization that the war with Iran has not united the Gulf states, but rather widened the gaps between them.

Two weeks ago, Kan News reported that the UAE has lost patience with Iranian aggression. "There is no trust in the Iranians. They need to be taught a hard lesson so they understand the message", a former Emirati parliament member said. His remarks highlight the tough stance held by certain Gulf nations, contrasting with the softer approach favored by others in the organization.

Strategic Implications

The internal disagreements within the GCC could significantly undermine Western efforts, particularly by the United States, to form a unified front against Iran. As long as Gulf states remain unable to reach internal consensus, coordinating joint measures with Western allies becomes increasingly difficult.

Furthermore, the rift creates clear opportunities for Tehran to exploit these divisions and push the Gulf nations further apart. Iran may attempt to offer different terms to different countries, taking advantage of their conflicting interests and positions.

The current crisis raises serious questions about the future of the GCC and its ability to act as a unified body moving forward.

Whether the organization can bridge these internal divides or witness a complete breakdown of regional unity remains a question that will shape the entire Middle East in the coming years.