Trump Meets GCC Leaders in New York as Iran War Raises Regional Concerns

US President Donald Trump is set to meet leaders of the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in New York on Tuesday, September 22, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

The meeting comes as the US-Israel war with Iran approaches its seventh month, with Gulf states facing significant economic and security consequences from the conflict.

The GCC members — Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman — are expected to discuss regional security, de-escalation and the continuing disruption of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.

Since the war began on February 28, Iran has attacked US military bases and other targets across the Middle East, including airports and energy facilities. The conflict has disrupted oil and gas exports from the Gulf and contributed to global energy pressures.

A June memorandum of understanding had raised hopes for an end to the conflict, but negotiations collapsed last month amid disagreements over navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, which remains effectively closed.

GCC countries are expected to urge Trump to avoid another major escalation with Iran, warning that renewed fighting could further threaten their territories, energy infrastructure and economies.

However, the Gulf states have different concerns. The UAE has continued exporting some oil through a pipeline to Fujairah, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz, while Qatar has suffered major disruptions to its liquefied natural gas exports because of its dependence on the waterway.

Saudi Arabia is also facing increased pressure from Houthi forces in Yemen and is seeking greater US support against the group.

Trump, meanwhile, is seeking to assess his options in the war. Analysts say Washington could explore diplomatic channels with Tehran while also considering further military action.

The talks could also involve efforts to reach a new arrangement based on the collapsed June agreement. Qatar and Pakistan have been mentioned as possible mediators for renewed US-Iran negotiations.

The meeting takes place as Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are also in New York for the UN General Assembly.