GCC urges Iran to respond to peace efforts as Britain strengthens Gulf defences

Dubai: Arab nations have cautioned that a rekindling of hostilities between the United States and Iran could escalate into a more destructive regional conflict, as Gulf states implored Iran to provide a substantive response to diplomatic overtures. At the 22nd IISS Manama Dialogue in Bahrain, officials from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Britain, Syria, and Yemen expressed apprehensions over Iranian aggression, Houthi operations, and threats to critical international shipping channels.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty delivered one of the most forceful warnings, asserting that a second round of US-Iran conflict would be far more perilous than the previous one. He stated that diplomacy must draw lessons from history. The GCC Secretary-General, Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi, affirmed the six-member coalition's dedication to negotiations with Iran, but emphasized that genuine dialogue necessitates Tehran's cooperation.

He also stressed that Gulf nations had not instigated the conflict, yet bore the brunt of casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure due to Iranian attacks. Specifically, the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz has adversely impacted energy markets, shipping costs, insurance premiums, and global supply chains. Iran claims its advancements in ballistic missile technology signal a readiness for preemptive strikes.

Concurrently, Britain disclosed the deployment of air defense assets to Saudi Arabia to safeguard the kingdom from potential missile and drone assaults following renewed Houthi operations. The British Middle East Minister, Stephen Doughty, affirmed Britain's opposition to Iran's nuclear ambitions, yet reiterated the need for ongoing diplomatic efforts.