In New York on September 18, 2023, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with foreign ministers of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Following the meeting, the US and GCC issued a joint statement against Iran. Iran Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani has come out to call these accusations “empty” and saying they only benefit “ill-wishers.” The statement being issued primarily focuses on two things. One focus was the urging of Iran to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and cease supposed rapid increase in dangerous weapons. Another targeted the three Persian Islands that have remained under Iranian control since 1971, despite the United Arab Emirates’ attempts to obtain the land. The group is expressing clear support to the United Arab Emirates and their claim to the land.
The US-GCC statement takes a firm stance on Iran and the need for them to take a step back militarily and with the land they continue to hold. However, Iran’s stance seems to provide a larger issue. Their lack of engagement and acceptance of these accusations could boil into problems between them and their surrounding countries. Other countries revolving around the Persian Gulf are showing obvious fear of Iran’s look to expand in power, and Iran looks at this blankly. Viewing their opinions as empty shows clear tensions in the region surrounding the gulf. Meetings will need to be conducted in order for the two sides to work towards common ground. WIth the large number of states against Iran in these situation, it also provides them clear leverage in the situation.
Both IGOs, the IAEA and GCC play vital roles in this dispute. The GCC is serving as an opposition to Iran and gives Iran’s neighboring countries a diplomatic advantage. The IAEA also plays a vital role in the GCC’s message to Iran, serving as an opportunity to hold Iran from having an excessive amount of weapons that could serve to destroy peace and balance of power. Iran is displaying a clear neglect to acknowledge the issues being conveyed, which may lead to a potential need for direct talks to ensue. The GCC holds a firm stance on Iran being out of hand with atomic weapons and no longer having the right to hold the possession of the Gulf Islands.