In April 2026, the UN Security Council is scheduled to conduct a high-level briefing focused on the partnership between the United Nations and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This session will be a key event during Bahrain’s presidency of the Council for the month and marks the first time the Council has dedicated a meeting to collaboration with the GCC. The Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani is expected to chair the briefing, with key contributions anticipated from GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi and UN Assistant Secretary-General Mohamed Khaled Khiari.
The Gulf Cooperation Council: Structure and Role
Formed in 1981, the GCC is a regional intergovernmental organization that fosters political, economic, and social cooperation among its six member states: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Headquartered in Riyadh, the organization operates through principal bodies including the Supreme Council, Ministerial Council, and Secretariat General. Its mission emphasizes harmonizing policies and integrating efforts across sectors such as trade, finance, industry, and agriculture. The GCC holds permanent observer status at the UN General Assembly and maintains engagement with several international organizations.
Security Challenges and Recent Developments
The regional security environment has deteriorated sharply since late February 2026 following military strikes by the US and Israel against Iran and subsequent retaliatory attacks by Tehran targeting Gulf countries. Iran has launched numerous drone and missile attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure, particularly in the United Arab Emirates. These assaults have been widely condemned by the GCC, which views them as violations of sovereignty. The escalating conflict has prompted urgent Security Council meetings, including the adoption of resolution 2817 in March 2026, which demands an immediate halt to Iranian attacks and condemns threats to freedom of navigation in the critical Strait of Hormuz.
Economic Impact and Regional Stability
Tehran’s actions have also severely affected the GCC economies by disrupting the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor. The blockade and targeted attacks on energy installations have caused significant supply shortages and sharp increases in oil prices. Analysts warn that ongoing disruptions pose grave risks to regional economic stability, with broader implications for international markets. This economic strain compounds the security concerns facing Gulf nations, escalating the urgency for effective international cooperation.
Prospects for Enhanced UN-GCC Cooperation
The April briefing provides a pivotal opportunity for the Security Council and the GCC to explore strengthened collaboration, particularly in areas such as mediation, conflict prevention, and responses to emerging threats like maritime security and terrorism. Bahrain has proposed a draft resolution addressing navigational security in the Strait of Hormuz, alongside a draft presidential statement aimed at reinforcing institutional partnerships with the UN. Council members are expected to consider establishing a routine dialogue mechanism with the GCC to facilitate ongoing cooperation and address peace and security challenges in the region.
While there is broad Council interest in deepening ties with the GCC, political differences among members, especially regarding Middle Eastern conflicts like the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, may influence discussions. Nevertheless, the GCC’s active role in regional mediation and peace initiatives underscores the importance of this inaugural Council meeting.
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