Gulf Cooperation Council leaders to meet Trump urging diplomatic approach to Iran tensions

Leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are expected to meet President Donald Trump on Tuesday during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, according to a Bloomberg report. The six-member bloc, which includes Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, plans to urge the U.S. president to pursue diplomatic solutions rather than further military action against Iran.

The GCC states have expressed concern that continued hostilities could disrupt the Persian Gulf’s economy and threaten regional infrastructure, citing Iran’s recent missile and drone attacks. Tehran has warned of broader attacks on U.S. forces and allies if the conflict intensifies, while also indicating a willingness to negotiate despite its own economic pressures.

"If our national interests require us to fight, we must fight," an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesman told the Islamic Republic News Agency, adding that negotiation remains an option if national interests demand it.

Trump has previously indicated that a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian could be arranged during the assembly, though his overall stance on the issue remains uncertain. The GCC’s outreach follows earlier instances in which the bloc persuaded the president to defer a major attack after discussions suggested a possible deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a proposal that ultimately did not materialize.