According to a report by Al Jazeera on Sunday, May 24, 2026, Geography and shared regional realities are expected to continue pushing Gulf states toward eventual de-escalation with Iran, despite ongoing tensions and what analysts describe as a significant trust deficit.
According to Abdulla Banndar Al-Etaibi, assistant professor in the Department of International Affairs at Qatar University, the geopolitical relationship between Iran and Gulf countries has been severely affected by recent conflicts, but long-term cooperation remains unavoidable due to shared geography and mutual security interests.
“There is a big trust issue, but at the end of the day, there is geography that we can’t change, stability that we need to pursue and de-escalation that we all aim for,” Al-Etaibi told Al Jazeera.
He added that rebuilding trust will depend on Iran demonstrating “signs of trust and credibility” in future interactions with regional states.
Al-Etaibi noted that despite differing diplomatic approaches, Gulf Cooperation Council members remain broadly aligned in their goal of reducing tensions and promoting regional stability.
“Some go to the United Nations Security Council. Some prefer mediation. Some prefer to sit down and watch. They have different means but the same goal,” he said.
The remarks highlight the complexity of regional diplomacy in the Gulf, where historical disputes, security concerns, and strategic competition continue to shape relations with Iran. However, analysts say geographic proximity and interconnected economic and security interests make long-term engagement difficult to avoid.
The evolving situation reflects a broader recognition among regional actors that sustained confrontation may not be viable, even amid persistent mistrust. Efforts toward dialogue and diplomatic engagement are expected to remain part of future policy discussions as Gulf states balance security concerns with the need for regional stability and cooperation across the Middle East according to regional academic analysis.