Iran’s streets are ablaze with fury against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, as economic despair ignites mass demonstrations that have the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on high alert. Protesters, battered by soaring prices and joblessness, are chanting anti-regime slogans, their anger reverberating through the Persian Gulf.
Enter U.S. President Donald Trump, who has fired off pointed threats at Tehran. Warning Khamenei against brutal suppression of the unrest, Trump stated unequivocally that violent crackdowns would provoke U.S. action. This comes hot on the heels of America’s assertive moves in Venezuela, fueling fears of a coordinated U.S.-Israel offensive against Iran.
GCC heavyweights didn’t waste time. Emergency sessions at the ministerial level were called across member states—Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. A collective communique emphasized diplomacy over confrontation: ‘Regional stability demands calm and negotiation.’ High-level diplomats engaged in frantic calls with global allies to mitigate escalation risks.
Saudi Arabia openly signaled support for de-escalation talks with Iran, while UAE officials coordinated with Western partners. Oman championed mediation, aligning with the bloc’s preference for peaceful outlets amid rising stakes. Publicly subdued, these meetings betrayed deep anxiety over Trump’s unpredictable agenda.
No Gulf country has rushed to endorse or counter U.S. saber-rattling, but internal buzz reveals fixation on potential American strikes. Iran’s turmoil threatens to destabilize energy markets and heighten proxy conflicts. For GCC leaders, balancing anti-Iran sentiments with aversion to war defines the tightrope walk. As protests persist, the world watches whether diplomacy can avert a broader showdown.