STANDARDDIPLOMATICVERIFIED
GCC demands inclusion in any US-Iran talks — Secretary General also confirms Iran charging ships to cross Hormuz
·Gulf Cooperation Council / Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary General Jasem AlBudaiwi stated that Gulf states must be involved in any talks or agreements to resolve the Iran war, in a way that contributes to their security and stability. He also confirmed that Iran is asking vessels to pay fees to cross the Strait of Hormuz, providing official GCC confirmation of the toll-booth regime.
GCC Secretary General Jasem AlBudaiwi said in a televised speech on 26 March 2026 that Gulf countries 'emphasize the necessity of involving the GCC countries in any talks or agreements to resolve this crisis, in a way that contributes to strengthening their security and stability.' AlBudaiwi also confirmed that Iran has been asking vessels to pay money to cross the Strait of Hormuz — providing the GCC's first official acknowledgment of Iran's toll regime.
gccdiplomacyhormuziran-talksgulf-states
Actor responses
The US has not publicly responded to the GCC demand for inclusion in talks. Pakistan is currently facilitating the primary US-Iran channel.
Iran has not commented on the GCC statement. The GCC Secretary General confirmed Iran is charging vessels to cross the Strait of Hormuz — consistent with Lloyd's List Intelligence reporting of a de facto toll-booth regime.
Sources