The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Albudaiwi, stated that Gulf countries seek stability and prosperity for Tehran, emphasizing that the GCC states "do not want Iran to collapse."

His remarks came during a panel discussion at the Doha Forum 2025 titled "Defense and Security Policy, Conflict Mediation, and Peacebuilding," under the theme "Iran and the Changing Regional Security Environment."

Albudaiwi outlined the Gulf’s expectations of Iran, describing them as “simple and fundamental demands.” He highlighted Iran’s rich civilizational, cultural, and artistic heritage, noting that “the Gulf countries have much to offer Iran” and stressing the importance of focusing on a shared future.

He also pointed out that over the past eight decades, the Gulf states have become the world’s ninth-largest economy, with a combined GDP of approximately $2.4 trillion last year. He affirmed the GCC’s willingness to share its development experiences with Iran.

The Secretary-General emphasized the need to uphold the principles of good neighborliness, adherence to the UN Charter, dialogue, and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

For his part, former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif asserted that Iran is capable of overcoming crises despite the challenges it has faced throughout history. He stated that “Iran has always been ready for dialogue” and stressed the need to institutionalize ongoing discussions between Iran and the GCC and to build a shared vision for the future.

The session featured participation from Zarif and Nathalie Tocci, Director of the Italian Institute of International Affairs, and was moderated by Dr. Trita Parsi, Executive Vice President of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft in Washington.