Gulf States Rally Behind Saudi Arabia as Hormuz Tensions Spike

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and called for a return to conditions in the Strait of Hormuz before February 28, following a ministerial meeting in Bahrain. The GCC urged dialogue to ease US-Iran tensions and warned against any escalation that could threaten regional stability and global oil shipments through the strait [265592]. The GCC Secretary-General also made a direct appeal to Moscow, asking Russia to use its influence to help stop Iranian attacks and safeguard stability in the region [265528]. The appeal to Russia came as Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to discuss regional and global issues, with the two leaders stressing the importance of coordination to enhance regional security [265579]. Separately, Saudi Arabia's defense minister, Khalid bin Salman, met with the UAE president in Abu Dhabi to discuss regional developments and ways to strengthen Gulf cooperation, with talks focused on joint Gulf action and enhancing cooperation between the two countries [265586]. Egypt's president also said his country is ready to defend Saudi Arabia, signaling a deepening security commitment between the two Arab allies, though he did not specify what form that defense would take or what threats it is meant to address [264640]. The diplomatic push comes as Iran's Revolutionary Guard said an oil tanker struck a mine and caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz, warning of a "firm response" against vessels operating with navigation and identification systems switched off [265574]. The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway through which a large share of the world's oil passes [265574].

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Gulf States Back Saudi Arabia, Warn Against Hormuz Escalation

Sources

GCC Urges Russia to Help Stop Iranian Attacks #265528Saudi, UAE defense chiefs meet in Abu Dhabi as Gulf tensions simmer #265586Bahrain’s King, Russian Foreign Minister Discuss Regional Security #265579Egypt Pledges to Defend Saudi Arabia, President Says #264640Iran’s Revolutionary Guard says oil tanker struck mine in Strait of Hormuz #265574

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