Recent attacks by Iran and its allied groups on Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states have exposed significant fractures within the Global South’s geopolitical cohesion, raising doubts about the emerging bloc’s ability to present a unified alternative to the existing international order. The assaults, which have targeted several Gulf nations despite these countries not being involved in the initial US-Israeli strikes on Iran, have drawn widespread condemnation across the Global South, yet have not led to a clear or effective collective response.

Countries such as India and Brazil have urged restraint and called for a diplomatic solution to the escalating tensions, while South Africa has explicitly denounced Iran’s actions against its Gulf neighbors. China, notable for its close economic and strategic ties both with Iran and the GCC states, has likewise advocated for an end to hostilities and a return to dialogue but has been unable to influence Tehran to de-escalate the conflict. Broader mediation efforts by Global South countries have similarly failed to alter Iran’s stance.

The recent BRICS joint declaration echoed these calls for maximum restraint, dialogue, and respect for sovereignty and international law, signaling an attempt to push beyond traditional Western-led frameworks. However, these appeals have yet to translate into tangible changes in Iran’s behavior, underscoring an ongoing contradiction within the Global South. While the grouping asserts principles of sovereignty and diplomacy, it struggles to uphold these values consistently when one of its key members appears to disregard them.

This discord is particularly significant given the GCC’s substantial contributions to the Global South’s development and humanitarian efforts. Between 2020 and 2025, GCC countries provided nearly $14 billion in official humanitarian aid, positioning themselves as one of the leading donor blocs within the Global South. Their financial assistance and investment have bolstered development initiatives and strengthened the collective voice of the Global South on the international stage.

Despite these contributions, Iran’s recent provocations, including recent Houthi attacks, suggest the conflict may further escalate rather than move toward resolution. The inability of major Global South powers to rein in Tehran’s actions highlights limits to their regional influence and raises questions about the viability of the Global South as a cohesive geopolitical force.

The situation illustrates a broader paradox: while the Global South aims to challenge the established Western-led order, it currently lacks the unity and leverage to impose stable, shared political frameworks when internal divisions emerge. Iran’s actions risk exacerbating instability and fragmentation, undermining efforts to build a credible alternative international system and complicating the prospects for sustained political stability within the region and beyond.