Doha: The Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jassem Al-Budaiwi, affirmed that GCC countries are keen on Iran's stability and prosperity, emphasizing that "no one in the GCC wants Iran to collapse." The remarks were made during a session at the Doha Forum 2025, which was launched under the theme "Iran and the Changing Regional Security Environment." The session included notable figures such as former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and the Director of the Italian Institute for International Affairs, Natalie Tocci.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Al-Budaiwi highlighted that the Gulf states have transformed into the ninth largest global economy over the past seven to eight decades, with the combined GDP of the six GCC countries reaching approximately USD 2.4 trillion in 2024. He emphasized the GCC countries' desire to share these experiences with Iran.
Al-Budaiwi stressed the necessity of respecting the principles of good neighborliness, adhering to the UN Charter, engaging in dialogue, and refraining from interfering in the affairs of other countries. He mentioned that the GCC states' demands of Iran are "simple and fundamental, like any normal neighborly relationship," especially given Iran's rich civilizational, cultural, and artistic heritage. He noted the importance of focusing on a shared future.
Former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif acknowledged Iran's capability to overcome crises despite the challenges it has faced throughout history. Zarif stated that Iran has always been ready for dialogue, citing the Regional Dialogue Forum (RDF) initiative that he launched in 2017, which is based on the UN Charter, non-interference, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.