By Hassan Al-Mustafa
Published: July 31, 2025
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) — particularly Saudi Arabia — is steering Middle East diplomacy toward de-escalation, dialogue, and durable stability. Amid wars, shifting alliances, and regional threats, the Gulf’s foreign policy is increasingly shaped by strategic rationality, not reactionary emotion.
⚠️ Al-Udeid Airbase Attack: A Critical Turning Point
The recent Iranian missile strike on Al-Udeid airbase in Qatar in June marked more than a momentary escalation. It raised a critical regional question:
Can Iran be trusted as a reliable partner, or will it remain a destabilizing force?
Saudi Arabia’s response was swift and firm. Riyadh denounced the strike as:
“A blatant act of aggression… a violation of international law and the principles of good neighborliness.”
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman assured Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani of the Kingdom’s full solidarity, promising that all capabilities would be mobilized to defend Qatar's sovereignty.
This united front reflects a core Gulf principle: an attack on one is seen as a threat to all. The collective memory of Iraq’s 1990 invasion of Kuwait remains a powerful lesson in Gulf unity and coordinated defense.
🕊️ De-Escalation Through “Saudi Rationality”
Despite Iran’s aggression, Saudi Arabia chose dialogue over disengagement. This deliberate posture — strategic caution rather than emotional retaliation — reflects what can be termed “Saudi rationality.”
Riyadh refused to escalate. Instead, it sent a clear signal: trust is now earned, not given.
Iran must show it can be more than a rhetorical partner.
📞 Iran’s Apology and the Door to Dialogue
A key moment came when Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called the Qatari Emir two days after the strike, apologizing for the damage and reaffirming that Qatar was not the intended target.
This helped cool regional tensions and maintain a window for engagement. Days later, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Riyadh, meeting with top Saudi leaders including the crown prince and defense minister.
The crown prince emphasized a desire for “regional peace through diplomacy.”
The Iranian delegation expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s “condemnation of Israeli aggression” and called for stronger ties.
🔍 The Path Forward: Cautious but Open
The Gulf states remain hopeful but realistic. Diplomatic engagement offers Iran a final opportunity to rebuild trust and engage in meaningful cooperation.
If Tehran embraces this chance:
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A new era of regional cooperation could emerge — spanning security, trade, and political dialogue.
But if Iran reverts to militant posturing through the IRGC or regional proxies, the GCC may pivot toward:
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Joint defense,
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Reinforced containment,
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And deeper alignment with global powers to counter Iranian aggression.
Conclusion:
The future of Gulf-Iran relations stands at a crossroads. Trust must be earned through action, not words. The door remains open — but not indefinitely.
Gulf-Iran relations, Al-Udeid attack, Saudi Arabia foreign policy, GCC unity, Iranian missile strike, Middle East diplomacy, Saudi Iran engagement, Vision 2030, regional security, Hassan Al-Mustafa opinion
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