**Saudi Summit: Iran, Trump Top Agenda**

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Post on Nov 12, 2024

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Saudi Summit: Iran and Trump Dominate the Agenda

The annual Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit, hosted by Saudi Arabia this year, is set to be a crucial meeting, with Iran and the Trump administration's policies at the top of the agenda. The gathering of leaders from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region, driven by a complex web of geopolitical dynamics.

Iran's Shadow Looms Large

The summit's primary focus is likely to be on Iran, a nation whose influence continues to grow across the Middle East. The GCC members, particularly Saudi Arabia, view Iran as a threat, citing its support for regional proxy groups, its ballistic missile program, and its nuclear ambitions.

Key concerns for the GCC include:

• Iran's regional influence: The GCC states are wary of Iran's growing influence in Yemen, Lebanon, and Iraq, where Iranian-backed groups wield significant power.
• Nuclear ambitions: The 2015 nuclear deal, which aimed to curtail Iran's nuclear program, remains a source of contention. The Trump administration has withdrawn from the agreement, imposing strict sanctions on Iran.
• Ballistic missile program: Iran's development of ballistic missiles capable of reaching regional targets is another major concern for the GCC countries.

Trump's Policies: A Catalyst for Change

The Trump administration's policies, including the withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and the imposition of sanctions, have significantly impacted the region. These actions have led to a heightened sense of insecurity among the GCC states, prompting them to seek closer ties with the US while also exploring alternative strategies.

The summit is expected to address:

• Security cooperation: The GCC countries are likely to seek further security assurances from the US in the face of Iranian threats.
• Economic diversification: With oil prices volatile, the GCC countries are seeking to diversify their economies and reduce their dependence on hydrocarbons.
• Regional stability: The summit will also address the need for greater regional cooperation to address common challenges, including terrorism and political instability.

Navigating the Complexities

The Saudi summit presents a complex challenge for the GCC leaders. They must navigate the tensions between their desire for security and their need for stability, all while considering the implications of Trump's policies. The outcome of the summit will have significant implications for the future of the region, impacting regional security, economic development, and political dynamics.

Looking Ahead

The summit is expected to produce a joint statement outlining the GCC's priorities and positions on key issues. The statement is likely to reaffirm the GCC's commitment to regional stability and security, while also expressing concerns about Iranian influence and calling for a united front against terrorism.

The summit will also likely highlight the GCC's desire to engage in dialogue with Iran, with the goal of de-escalating tensions and finding common ground. However, given the current political climate, it remains uncertain whether meaningful progress can be achieved.

The Saudi summit is a critical opportunity for the GCC states to assess their priorities and strategies in a rapidly changing Middle East. The outcome of the summit will have significant implications for the region's future, shaping the geopolitical landscape for years to come.