Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
Six-state Gulf Arab bloc; first formal GCC multilateral on the Islamabad MOU, Bahrain, June 2026.
The Gulf Cooperation Council reviewed contingency plans for restrictions at Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb during its 39th port committee session on 19 August.
Last refreshed: 20 August 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
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Timeline for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
Convened its 39th ports and maritime administrations committee session
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Iran Conflict 2026Background
On 19 August, the Gulf Cooperation Council's port and maritime officials reviewed contingency measures for possible vessel restrictions through Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb at their 39th regular committee session. The session showed how the six-state bloc uses standing committees to coordinate shared exposure to Gulf shipping lanes and Energy infrastructure.
Formed in Abu Dhabi in 1981, the political and economic bloc brings together Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Its Riyadh secretariat supports a permanent forum for economic coordination, security policy and relations with Iran. The members do not always adopt one policy. Their different ties with Iran and past disputes, including the blockade of Qatar, limit collective action.
The council matters because disruption at Hormuz affects all six economies while leaving each government with distinct security choices. During the 2026 conflict, members invoked the right of self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter after attacks across the region. Political unity still depends on agreement among states with different diplomatic and military positions.
Reference
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