Fundamentals of GCC policy on conflicts in Middle East

Al Etihad

4 hours ago

22 July 2025 00:27
MARIAM MOHAMED ALJNEIBIThe columnist is a writer with the think-tank firm TRENDS Research & AdvisoryThe Middle East continues to face a web of overlapping tensions that shape its political and security landscape. While the risk of escalation remains real, these challenges also present an opportunity for regional actors to promote dialogue and restraint.The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have adopted a measured approach rooted in neutrality, balanced diplomacy, and a commitment to international law. They maintain relations with all parties involved in regional disputes – and internationally, too – while rejecting any attempts to impose dominance through force.Alongside diplomatic efforts, the Gulf states continue to enhance their security readiness, contributing to broader regional and global initiatives aimed at de-escalation. Their refusal to engage in retaliatory military action reflects a deliberate choice to prevent further instability.Conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon and Israeli-Iranian tensions are stark reminders of the volatility. For the Gulf states, geographic proximity makes the stakes especially high. Their populations and economies are directly exposed to the fallout of any escalation.In navigating these interconnected challenges, the GCC's consistent focus on diplomacy and stability offers a pragmatic path in a region often at risk of spiraling deeper into crisis.Any conflict in any part of the region can send shockwaves across the entire Middle East and may drag in actors with no direct stake in the original dispute. This is particularly true when global economic interests are at risk or when armed proxy groups resort to violence under the pretext of linking the interests of one party to another. Such dynamics endanger critical infrastructure, including energy facilities, civilian sites, industrial zones, and logistical networks, while disrupting transportation and trade flows.The position of GCC states is based on a fundamental pillar, which is maintaining security and stability. The region cannot afford further attrition, having already endured a series of wars that impeded its economic development. For this reason, Gulf countries prioritise building and the use of state resources for growth and sustainable development.Even amid complex regional dynamics and ongoing conflicts, they remain committed to advancing prosperity and improving the quality of life for their people, with a clear and ambitious outlook towards the future.Alongside this focus on development, Gulf countries use their foreign policies as tools to defuse conflict zones, diversify their alliances with Eastern and Western partners, and intensify diplomatic efforts to contain the scope of conflict in the Middle East.Countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman often lead de-escalation efforts through regional and international mediation, seeking calm and stability to facilitate the success of economic diversification plans and to ensure peace, security, business, trade, tourism and growth.The GCC does not shy away from thorny issues or obstacles. They actively pursue every opportunity to stabilise the region, whether through economic partnership agreements or reconciliation with regional actors, in pursuit of calm and stability.They also apply diplomatic pressure where needed to secure both immediate and long-term gains for the Arab region. This approach has enabled improved economic relations without having to align with one axis against another.The GCC countries engage in negotiations and mediation on complex issues, but they firmly refuse to be a party to any armed conflict, directly or indirectly. They will not allow any party to use their territory, airspace, or waters to launch aggression against another country, while reserving the right to self-defence and the protection of their lands, people, infrastructure and economic assets from any form of threat.The balanced position of the GCC countries, which is rooted in respect for sovereignty and a desire to calm conflicts and wars in the Middle East, is built on clear criteria for stability. It reflects a form of active neutrality, rejecting engagement in conflict and favouring diplomatic solutions.
In addition to that, Gulf countries recognise the urgency of diversifying energy export routes to reduce risks, strengthening their domestic front, maintaining strategic balance with wisdom, and deepening joint Gulf coordination until a comprehensive regional and security cooperation framework for the Middle East is established.
Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi