GCC summit shows assertive leadership, but lacks urgency on Gaza: Analysis

GCC summit shows assertive leadership, but lacks urgency on Gaza: Analysis

May 14, 2025
US President Donald Trump is engaged in a flurry of diplomatic activities in the Middle East as part of his three-nation tour.
 
On his second day, Trump has met the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council in Riyadh.

He addressed a wide range of regional issues during his speech at the summit.

Trump told the council of his plans to negotiate with Iran.

In his speech, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has asked Trump to cooperate with GCC countries to deescalate tensions in Middle East.   

The Emir of Kuwait also expressed his hope that the GCC, working with the United States, can help bring about greater stability in the region, with a focus on Palestine.

Abdulaziz al-Ghashian is a Senior Non-Resident Fellow at the Gulf International Forum and Specialist on Saudi Arabia's Foreign policy and Gulf-Israel relations and Sultan Barakat is Professor of Public Policy at Hamad Bin Khalifa University.