Washington, Gulf discuss Syria support, Lebanon stability, Iran talks fallout
Manama GCC-US meeting: Rejecting transit fees and attempts to control the Strait of Hormuz, and discussions on Syria and Lebanon
The United States and Gulf Cooperation Council states affirmed, during their joint ministerial meeting in Manama, support for continuing the diplomatic track with Iran, while stressing the prevention of Iran developing nuclear weapons and ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
This came in the final statement of the ministerial meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the United States, which was attended by foreign ministers of GCC states and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The ministers welcomed the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran on June 17, stressing the importance of continuing negotiations to reach a lasting end to hostilities and preventing Iran from developing or possessing nuclear weapons. They made clear that peace in the region requires addressing Iran’s threats, including missiles, drones, and its support for proxies.
The statement also stressed the need to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and reject any measures that might impede it, affirming that achieving lasting security and stability in the region requires addressing various security challenges. They stated that any investment or trade with Iran is conditional on its commitment to the memorandum of understanding. They rejected any fees, taxes, or attempts to impose control over the Strait of Hormuz.
The ministers also affirmed the importance of continued coordination and consultation between the United States and Gulf states on regional issues, to support reaching political solutions that enhance security, stability, and prosperity in the region, stressing that any regional understandings or agreements should take into account the security interests of the Gulf states.
Support for Syria
The statement renewed the support of the United States and GCC states for the Syrian people, affirming their commitment to Syria’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, and support for building a stable, secure, and inclusive state that integrates fully into its regional environment.
The two sides also announced continued work with the Syrian government to address a number of challenges, including counter-terrorism, restoring basic services, improving the investment environment, and providing appropriate conditions for the voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons.
Stability in Lebanon
The ministers also expressed their support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and stability, and welcomed the US-led negotiations between Israel and Lebanon aimed at achieving lasting peace and resolving border disputes. They called for the disarmament of all non-governmental armed groups in Lebanon, and stressed the importance of strengthening the Lebanese Armed Forces.
البيان الوزاري المشترك للاجتماع الوزاري بين مجلس التعاون لدول الخليج العربية والولايات المتحدة الأمريكية.
https://t.co/giJcSHKzZA#مجلس_التعاون #الولايات_المتحدة_الأمريكية pic.twitter.com/H3HtFASfll
— مجلس التعاون (@GCCSG) June 25, 2026
Saudi moves
On the sidelines of the ministerial meeting, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held two separate meetings with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the meeting with the Qatari minister addressed the latest regional developments, developments regarding the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, and their implications for regional security and stability, in addition to efforts to enhance regional security.
Bin Farhan also discussed with his Omani counterpart the latest developments in the US-Iran agreement, and ways to support diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tension and enhancing security and stability in the region.
The two meetings came within the ongoing consultations on the sidelines of the GCC-US ministerial meeting, which focused on developments in the Iranian file and the strategic partnership between the United States and GCC states, amid continued regional and international efforts to support stability in the region.
