The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is looking to Russia to play a role in ensuring Iran complies with United Nations Security Council resolutions, amid continuing concerns over regional security and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi has stressed that disruptions to maritime navigation in the strategic waterway violate international law and threaten regional stability, global trade and energy supplies.
Russia’s Role in Regional Diplomacy
- The GCC and Russia are scheduled to hold their ninth joint ministerial meeting under their strategic dialogue framework on the sidelines of the GCC Ministerial Council meeting in Bahrain on October 18.
- The discussions are expected to provide an opportunity to exchange views on regional developments and strengthen diplomatic cooperation.
- The GCC has expressed the hope that Russia will contribute to efforts to ensure compliance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and help maintain security in the Gulf region.
Strait of Hormuz: A Critical Global Waterway
- The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime routes for oil and gas shipments. Any disruption can affect energy markets, shipping costs and international supply chains.
- Al Budaiwi has previously criticised reported Iranian actions affecting navigation, including threats against commercial vessels, restrictions on passage and attempts to impose compulsory shipping routes.
- He has argued that such practices undermine international law and the security of international maritime transport.
GCC Calls for Respect for International Law
- The GCC has maintained that regional security must be protected through respect for state sovereignty, international law and freedom of navigation.
- The council has also called for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2817, adopted in March 2026, which condemned Iranian attacks against Gulf states and Jordan.
- Why it matters: Any diplomatic initiative involving Russia, Iran and the Gulf states could influence regional security, oil transportation and international efforts to reduce tensions.
Source: Gulf Cooperation Council General Secretariat.
