The GCC has unity, it now needs joint defence and development
Beyond supporting peace, GCC states need to work towards joint defence, energy security and economic development.
![Herve Renard, who returned to Saudi Arabia for his second stint in 2024, has been sacked shortly before the FIFA World Cup [Abdel Ghani Bashir/AFP]](https://aljazeeranews-mggx1uo47w.edgeone.app/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/AFP__20250610__49UZ3KF__v1__HighRes__FblWc2026AsiaQualifiersKsaAus-1776430026.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
Advertisement
Content Feed
Can Pakistan juggle US-Iran mediation with Saudi defence commitments?
Pakistani officials and a number of analysts say it can do both. But the balancing act won’t be easy.
EXPLAINER
Iran war: US ‘blockade’ to Lebanon fighting, what’s happening on day 45?
The move to blockade the Strait of Hormuz is the latest escalation in the war after failure to sign peace deal.
From: NewsFeed
Video: Severe flooding closes schools in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has ordered schools to close after severe flooding swept through parts of the country.
Published On 12 Apr 2026
Saudi Arabia says key oil pipeline back to full capacity after attacks
The Ministry of Energy says the East-West pipeline is back to pumping about 7 million barrels per day.
Pakistan sends fighter jets to Saudi Arabia amid fragile US-Iran ceasefire
Deployment under mutual defence pact comes as Islamabad hosts US-Iran ceasefire talks.
Sorry Keir Starmer, the Middle East does not listen to Britain any more
Britain’s PM visited the Gulf and said many of the right things. But when you do the wrong things, words don’t matter.
From: NewsFeed
UK PM Keir Starmer visits Gulf to shore up ‘fragile’ US-Iran ceasefire
As UK PM Keir Starmer arrived in Doha as part of a Gulf tour he discussed efforts to secure the US-Iran ceasefire.
Published On 10 Apr 2026
Saudi Arabia says operational activities halted at several energy sites
Attacks on energy facilities cause a reduced supply and slow recovery, a Saudi official tells state news agency.
EXPLAINER
What is Iran’s Strait of Hormuz protocol and will other nations accept it?
Tehran’s plans to tax ships passing through the strait and raise money to rebuild is already seeing pushback.
For Gulf states, Hormuz uncertainty casts shadow over US-Iran ceasefire
Experts say Gulf countries are wary of the US agreeing to a deal that gives Iran leverage over the vital energy route.
