While Gulf capitals welcomed the U.S.-Iran ceasefire as a chance to ease tensions, their statements showed they see it not as the end of the crisis, but as a test of Iran’s regional behavior amid fears their security concerns could be sidelined.

In a striking irony, Oman, long seen as a key regional mediator and a trusted channel of communication between Washington and Tehran, has found itself under pressure from its own American ally, after Trump threatened to “blow it up” if it aligned with Iran on the sensitive issue of the Strait of Hormuz.

The April 28, 2026 Jeddah summit exposed deep divisions among Gulf Cooperation Council states, highlighting the limits of collective security and the absence of a unified, decisive strategy.