Leaders of Gulf countries met in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday to discuss the regional crisis caused by the ongoing US-Israel war against Iran, according to AFP. The meeting, hosted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, marked the first in-person gathering of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members since the conflict began following US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28. The talks focused on the political and security situation and the need for coordinated action to manage the escalating tensions.

The meeting took place as the White House reviewed Iran’s latest ceasefire proposal and discussions emerged about reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route that previously carried about 20 percent of the world’s crude oil and LNG shipments but has been largely closed since the war began. Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani said the summit underscored Gulf unity and the need for closer coordination.

A GCC statement strongly condemned Iran’s “blatant attacks” on Gulf states, saying the assaults severely damaged mutual trust and urging Tehran to take concrete steps to rebuild relations.