Trump to meet Gulf leaders as Iran war strains regional security
The planned New York talks will address regional de-escalation, shipping routes, energy disruption and Houthi attacks in Yemen.
US President Donald Trump is due to meet leaders of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
According to Al Jazeera, the discussions are expected to focus on the reported US-Israel war on Iran, regional de-escalation, navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, energy disruptions and Houthi attacks in Yemen.
The six Gulf Cooperation Council states share broad concerns about regional security but have faced different consequences from the conflict. Qatar’s LNG shipments have reportedly been severely curtailed, while the UAE has maintained limited oil exports through Fujairah, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Arabia is facing intensified pressure from Houthi forces in Yemen.
The meeting follows the reported collapse of a June memorandum of understanding amid disputes over navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, which Al Jazeera describes as effectively closed. The conflict, which reportedly began on 28 February, has disrupted Gulf energy exports and contributed to wider energy market pressures.
Analysts cited by Al Jazeera say Gulf governments are likely to press Trump to avoid another escalation with Iran and pursue negotiations. A breakthrough is considered unlikely, with a possible outcome being an agreement to resume talks, potentially with Qatar or Pakistan acting as mediators.
The extent of Gulf support for any US military action against Iran or the Houthis remains unclear. Reports of a possible indirect US-Iran meeting in New York are also described as rumours.
