Afkār is a publication of the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, providing short-form analyses, insights, and perspectives on regional issues and developments from the Council's experts and outside contributors. Afkār is published in English and Arabic, and is edited by Omar H. Rahman.
Gulf states have always kept diplomacy and mediation in their foreign policy toolkit when dealing with Iran. Although relations are at an all-time low after Iran’s wartime attacks on its Gulf neighbors, diplomacy remains essential to finding a modus operandi moving forward.
Five states are quietly building a security partnership that could redraw the Middle East’s strategic map. Whether it solidifies into a genuine alliance or remains a present-threat-driven initiative is still an open question.