ROME (ITALPRESS) – Following the recent clash between Israel and Iran, “the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar – are doing everything possible to pursue the path of diplomacy, especially because a potential U.S.-Iran conflict would be a disaster for the GCC.” This was stated by Giorgio Cafiero, CEO of Gulf State Analytics, during the webinar “Crisis in the Middle East: geopolitical, security, and energy scenarios in the Israel-Iran confrontation”, organized by the Eni Enrico Mattei Foundation.
“The focus of the GCC countries is on promoting stability because they are trying to attract investment and strengthen the tourism sector, in the context of post-oil economic diversification. They want de-escalation,” Cafiero said.
The “big question is whether the ceasefire between Iran and Israel” reached on June 24 through mediation by U.S. President Donald Trump “will hold,” he continued, adding that he is “not optimistic” about it.
According to Cafiero, the GCC countries’ diplomatic approach is “difficult, but there are no other options.” “I’m not optimistic. The ceasefire could collapse at any moment. Iran might even withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and Israel and the U.S. could resume attacks,” he warned.
The six Gulf monarchies are also committed to preventing the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments. “The closure of Hormuz would be a disaster for the GCC,” he added.
Finally, Cafiero expressed skepticism about the potential entry of Saudi Arabia into the Abraham Accords, as it would be perceived as a betrayal of the Palestinian cause. “It would be a gift to the Iranian regime, reinforcing the narrative that Iran is the only country defending the Palestinians. Riyadh does not want to let that propaganda prevail,” he concluded.
-Photo Eni Enrico Mattei Foundation-
(ITALPRESS).
