Iran Seeks International Aid for Strait of Hormuz Disruption Amid Gulf State Opposition

ISLAMABAD — Iran is attempting to garner international support to disrupt operations in the Strait of Hormuz, but Gulf nations have aligned with the United States to oppose such plans during a meeting aimed at addressing the ongoing crisis.

The Saudi Press Agency reported that the summit, taking place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, covered numerous regional and international issues as well as strategies for coordinated responses.

Shortly after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s visit to Oman, leaders from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) convened to propose a possible arrangement in which the countries bordering the strait would share control over the waterway, as indicated by several U.S. and regional officials.

However, Oman, previously targeted by Iran early in the conflict, declined Iran’s suggestions, leaving the country in a precarious position as it aims to assert control over this vital oil passage.

“They may forgive, but they certainly won’t forget what Iran has done,” an insider familiar with the mediation efforts remarked.

“They’re uninterested in footing the bill for Iran’s rebuilding. Ultimately, they won’t permit Iran to dominate the straits or charge for passage,” the source added.

Alex Pristas, a former Pentagon official and fellow at the Atlantic Council, stated that Oman’s stance aligns with President Trump’s view that Iran shouldn’t be allowed to impose fees on countries utilizing the strait.

“The GCC countries back the assertion that Iran has no right to control the Strait of Hormuz or levy tolls, nor can it close it at will,” he explained.

Pristas also highlighted that Iran’s actions against GCC nations aimed at pressuring the U.S. have backfired significantly, straining relations for decades.

“That was a serious and foolish blunder,” he commented, noting that patience among oil-rich nations is dwindling as threats from Iran loom, particularly with the waterway still shut down.

Meanwhile, negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, currently occurring in Islamabad, are at an impasse. Pristas asserted, “The continuation of Iran’s hostility towards the Gulf states will not provide a lasting resolution.”

This meeting marked the first gathering of the GCC since the conflict erupted two months ago.

As the situation approaches its third month, Qatari officials expressed a desire for a swift conclusion to the conflict, yet acknowledged that tensions must persist.

“We don’t want hostilities in the region to reignite soon,” stated Qatari Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Majid Al-Ansari during a press briefing.

“We wish to avoid situations where unresolved conflicts erupt again due to political instabilities.”