GCC Defence Council Holds Extraordinary Session in Doha

The GCC Joint Defence Council convened an extraordinary session today in Doha, Qatar, amid escalating regional security concerns. The session was chaired by Shaikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs of Qatar, who presided over the extraordinary meeting.

The session saw participation from senior defence and military leaders representing all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states. Key attendees included:

• Dr Mohammed bin Nasser Al Zaabi, Secretary General, Ministry of Defence, Oman

• Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Defence Affairs, UAE

• Lieutenant General Abdullah Hassan Al Nuaimi, Minister of Defence Affairs, Bahrain

• Prince Abdulrahman bin Mohammed, Deputy Minister of Defence, Saudi Arabia

• Shaikh Abdullah Ali Al Abdullah Al Sabah, Minister of Defence, Kuwait

• Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the GCC

This gathering highlighted the collective commitment of GCC countries to regional security and the unified approach towards emerging threats in the Gulf.

Condemnation of Aggression Against Qatar

During the session, the Council addressed the recent Israeli military aggression targeting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Qatar. The Council issued a strong condemnation of the attack, describing it as a dangerous and unacceptable escalation. Officials emphasized that the act represents a grave violation of international law and undermines the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

The Council further affirmed that any attack on Qatar is an attack on all GCC member states, reiterating their unwavering support for measures taken by Qatar and other members to preserve national security, defend unity, and safeguard territorial integrity.

Implications for Regional Security

The Joint Defence Council highlighted that the military aggression against Qatar poses a direct threat to regional stability, affecting the wider Gulf area. Members stressed that this escalation jeopardizes Qatar’s diplomatic mediation efforts, including initiatives aimed at achieving a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and securing the release of hostages and detainees.

Officials reiterated that the security of GCC nations is indivisible, in accordance with the provisions of the GCC Joint Defence Agreement, emphasizing that any threat to one state is a matter of concern for the entire region.

Strategic Decisions and Military Measures

To enhance the collective defence posture of the GCC, the Council approved several critical decisions aimed at strengthening military coordination and intelligence sharing:

1. Enhanced Intelligence Exchange – The Unified Military Command will increase the exchange of intelligence among GCC states to improve situational awareness and early threat detection.

2. Air Situation Coordination – Comprehensive air monitoring data will be transmitted to all GCC operation centres to ensure rapid response capabilities.

3. Early Warning System – The Gulf Joint Task Force will expedite its work on missile detection and early warning systems to counter potential ballistic missile threats.

4. Joint Defence Plan Updates – The Unified Military Command, in collaboration with the Operation and Training Committee of the GCC, will update existing defence plans to reflect the current threat environment.

5. Joint Military Exercises – Over the next three months, GCC Countries will conduct joint exercises between air operation centres and air defence forces, followed by a comprehensive live air exercise, simulating regional defence scenarios.

Strengthening Gulf Defence Integration

The Council reaffirmed its commitment to continuous coordination and consultation across all military and intelligence levels. This effort aims to further integrate Gulf defence systems, ensuring interoperability and efficiency to confront all risks and security challenges.

Officials highlighted the importance of linking defence capabilities, intensifying joint training, and sharing expertise to guarantee the security and stability of all GCC nations. The Council underscored that proactive preparation and unified military readiness are essential for confronting potential threats that could destabilize the Gulf region.

Commitment to Long-Term Security and Stability

The extraordinary session also served as a platform to review previous defence cooperation achievements and plan future initiatives. Members emphasized that the GCC’s security framework relies on strategic planning, operational readiness, and shared intelligence, ensuring that member states can respond effectively to any security threat.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to regional stability, national sovereignty, and enhancing joint military capabilities, reflecting the GCC’s determination to maintain peace, security, and prosperity across the Gulf.