The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) recently brought to attention an issue related to global security, as it expressed support for the continuation of an arms embargo on Iran. This move comes only two months prior to the expiration date of the current embargo. With the matter instigating widespread discussion and revealing several interesting insights about the dynamics between different nations, this article aims to delve deeper into the key components of this unfolding geopolitical story.
The Gulf Cooperation Council
The GCC is a political and economic alliance comprising six member nations located in the Arabian Peninsula. Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE came together in 1981 to form this nexus, fostering collaboration in various arenas, with a specific focus on socioeconomic, security and cultural ties. These countries fall under the jurisdiction of the Persian Gulf Region.
Allegations against Iran by the GCC
The GCC has formally alleged that Iran has persistently interfered in the affairs of neighbouring countries through armed interventions, either directly or via entities supported and trained by Iran. The United Nations (UN), the USA and other global armament experts have also accused Iran of supplying arms to Houthi rebels in Yemen. Iran’s alleged armament extends beyond Yemen, suspected to arm Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon and Syria and provide weapons to Shiite militias in Iraq and terrorist groups in Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
The Ukraine Incident and The Saudi Arabian Attack
The letter sent to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) by the GCC, additionally highlighted incidents such as Iran’s accidental shootdown of a Ukrainian passenger plane and a misfired missile strike resulting in the death of 19 sailors during an exercise. Suspicions have also been raised regarding Iran’s possible involvement in an attack on Saudi Arabia’s oil industry in September 2019.
The Arms Embargo on Iran
In 2010, amid mounting tensions over Iran’s nuclear program, the UN banned Iran from purchasing foreign weapons such as fighter jets, tanks and warships. This embargo proved to be a stumbling block for Iran as it prevented Iran from upgrading its outdated military equipment which was mostly acquired prior to the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Post this, another embargo targeted Iranian arms exports. In 2015, however, in light of Iran’s nuclear deal (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), the UN agreed to terminate the arms embargo by October 2020. The USA opted to withdraw from the deal in 2018, tightening the financial noose around Iran’s already struggling economy.
Internal Conflicts within the GCC
Despite presenting a unified front with its recent statement, the GCC is experiencing internal discord among its member nations. A case in point is the Qatar crisis that erupted in 2017, when Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE severed diplomatic ties with Qatar. While Qatar has maintained good relations with Iran, sharing airspace and oilfields, it also hosts the Al-Udeid Air Base and the forward headquarters of the USA military’s Central Command. Meanwhile, countries like Oman have acted as mediators between Tehran and the West.
Iran’s Stand
The various accusations regarding Iran’s involvement in arms supply have been vociferously denied by the nation. Iran criticized the GCC letter, dubbing it as an irresponsible act serving USA’s interests. They further chastised GCC countries for being significant arms purchasers in the region and globally, irrespective of the economic downturn triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Source: IE
Last Modified: February 8, 2024