How US-Iran war may push Gulf countries to ‘diversify’ security alliances
Key takeaways
- Despite Iranian attacks, several GCC states continue to speak with Tehran in an effort to mend ties and forge cooperation.
- As Tehran and Washington hold talks towards a lasting agreement, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations – which came under Iranian attack during the war – are expanding their relationships amid the uncertainty.
- Even before the war, Saudi Arabia signed a defence pact with Pakistan, an alliance that could expand to other countries in the region.
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
Despite Iranian attacks, several GCC states continue to speak with Tehran in an effort to mend ties and forge cooperation.
xwhatsapp-strokecopylinkgoogle Add Al Jazeera on Googleinfo Vessels anchored in the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam in Oman, June 18 [Reuters]By Ali Harb Published On 2 Jul 20262 Jul 2026Gulf countries are likely to accelerate the push to diversify their security partnerships after the United States-Israel war on Iran, analysts say, as the region grapples with the lasting impact of the conflict.
As Tehran and Washington hold talks towards a lasting agreement, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations – which came under Iranian attack during the war – are expanding their relationships amid the uncertainty.