GCC Advances Joint Pipeline and Water Network Initiatives

Leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council convened their 19th consultative meeting in Jeddah on Tuesday, focusing on regional security developments and broader strategic cooperation, Secretary-General Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi said.

The session was chaired by Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, following an invitation from King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

During the meeting, GCC leaders reviewed the evolving regional situation, including rising tensions and what they described as recent attacks attributed to Iran targeting GCC member states and Jordan. Discussions also explored diplomatic avenues to de-escalate the crisis and develop frameworks for future agreements aimed at enhancing security and long-term stability.

Al-Budaiwi noted that leaders welcomed Saudi Arabia’s initiative to host the meeting, commending Riyadh’s role in strengthening Gulf unity and coordinating collective responses to regional challenges.

The leaders strongly condemned the reported attacks, which targeted civilian infrastructure and caused casualties and material damage. They described the incidents as violations of national sovereignty, international law, and the principles of the United Nations, as well as norms of good neighbourliness.

They added that such incidents have undermined trust in Iran, urging Tehran to take meaningful steps toward rebuilding confidence through serious diplomatic engagement.

Reaffirming their shared security doctrine, GCC leaders emphasised the right of member states to self-defence, individually or collectively, under Article 51 of the UN Charter. They also stressed that the security of GCC nations is indivisible, noting that any attack on one member is considered an attack on all, in line with the Joint Defence Agreement.

In parallel, leaders called for accelerating key regional integration projects, including oil and gas pipeline networks, a Gulf water interconnection initiative, and further studies on establishing strategic storage zones across member states to strengthen collective energy and resource security.

The meeting comes amid heightened regional tensions and renewed calls for intensified diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.