GCC States Shift From De-Risking to Long-Term Security Amid Iran Threats

This Op-Ed by Dr. Abdel Aziz Aluwaisheg analyzes the Gulf Cooperation Council's strategic shift from immediate de-risking measures to long-term security frameworks in response to over 7,000 Iranian attacks and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The author highlights the urgent need for international intervention, specifically proposing a UN Security Council resolution to assert the strait's international status and potentially deploy a peacekeeping force. Although Russia and China initially vetoed the draft, recent diplomatic signals suggest shifting positions, with Bahrain resubmitting the proposal. Meanwhile, the GCC is enhancing military defenses, particularly missile and drone systems, and diversifying supply chains through new pipelines and transport routes to bypass potential blockades. The article also notes the formation of a 50-nation coalition led by the UK and France to secure navigation. Ultimately, the GCC aims to strengthen alliances with regional partners like Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt, ensuring robust connectivity and resilience against future geopolitical threats while advocating for strict adherence to international maritime law.