Gulf leaders meet in Jeddah to discuss regional conflict and cooperation

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Gulf Cooperation Council leaders met in Jeddah to discuss coordinated responses to escalating security threats following recent US and Israeli strikes on Iran, with a focus on regional stability amid ongoing missile and drone attacks. The summit underscored Gulf unity and emphasized continued dialogue with the US to address the conflict's impact on trade routes and energy security.

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders convened in Jeddah on Tuesday for their first in-person summit since the outbreak of the conflict involving Iran two months ago. The meeting, chaired by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, brought together senior representatives from Gulf states to address ongoing regional tensions and enhance coordination amid escalating security challenges.

Kuwait was represented by HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, acting on behalf of HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The Saudi-led gathering focused on regional and international developments, with an emphasis on collective responses to the crisis arising from the war that has intensified since the United States and Israel initiated strikes on Iran on February 28.

According to a Gulf official speaking anonymously, the summit aimed to develop strategies to address the surge in Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting Gulf countries in recent months. While attacks have reportedly decreased following a ceasefire declared on April 8 between the US and Iran, Gulf capitals remain cautious amid ongoing negotiations that have yet to yield a permanent resolution to the conflict.

Later in the day, Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani characterized the meeting as a display of unified Gulf solidarity and a call for enhanced coordination and consultation in light of current regional challenges.

Ahead of the summit, HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah held a telephone conversation with US Vice President JD Vance on Sunday. The Kuwaiti official conveyed greetings from HH the Amir to US President Donald Trump and expressed condemnation of the recent terrorist attack targeting the US president and vice president. He described the attack as a cowardly act that would only reinforce the president’s determination to address challenges in service of the United States.

Vice President Vance reiterated Washington’s support for Kuwait’s efforts to maintain security and stability. The discussion also covered broader regional concerns, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and its effects on global trade, maritime navigation, and energy security.

The two sides reviewed the longstanding bilateral relations between Kuwait and the United States, emphasizing cooperation in military and security matters. HH the Crown Prince praised the US for its consistent support of Kuwait’s sovereignty and security, wishing Vance good health and the American people ongoing progress and prosperity.