Gulf Nations Cautiously Welcome US-Iran Talks in Islamabad, Stress Security and Strait of Hormuz Concerns

Dubai/Islamabad, April 12, 2026 - As high-stakes US-Iran peace negotiations continue in Islamabad under Pakistani mediation, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have expressed cautious support for the process while voicing strong concerns over regional security, Iranian influence on the Strait of Hormuz, and the need for their voices to be heard.

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The talks, described by Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as a "make-or-break" moment, follow a fragile two-week ceasefire. Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Sharif on Saturday, as did the US team headed by Vice President JD Vance.

Gulf Response Overview:

Most Gulf states have welcomed the ceasefire and the Islamabad talks as a positive step toward de-escalation. Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and others have publicly appreciated Pakistan's mediation efforts and urged all parties to build a lasting peace.

• Saudi Arabia welcomed the truce and called for the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The kingdom has also received Pakistani military support, including fighter jets, at its airbases following earlier Iranian attacks on its energy facilities.
• Qatar described the ceasefire as an "initial step toward de-escalation" and praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir for their role. Doha stressed the need to prevent further tensions and ensure full adherence to the truce.
• UAE views the talks positively but remains wary of any deal that could give Iran continued leverage over the vital shipping route. Officials have emphasized that Gulf states, as direct stakeholders, should be actively involved in negotiations.

Gulf analysts and officials have highlighted deep concerns that any agreement granting Iran control or influence over the Strait of Hormuz - through which nearly one-fifth of global oil passes - would be unacceptable. They argue that GCC countries bore the brunt of Iranian missile and drone attacks during the recent conflict and must not be sidelined.

Pakistan's leadership has repeatedly thanked Gulf nations, particularly Saudi Arabia and Qatar, for their support in achieving the initial ceasefire. Regional mediators from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, China, and Qatar are reportedly in Islamabad to provide indirect facilitation.

Despite the diplomatic momentum, tensions linger. Some Gulf states continue to report intermittent incidents and remain on high alert. Experts note that while the talks offer hope, success will depend on addressing core issues including sanctions relief, Lebanon ceasefire, nuclear concerns, and secure navigation in the Gulf.