GCC sends clear message to Iran for first time

Riyadh: A number of Saudi political analysts say that Tuesday's GCC consultative summit was the first time the GCC states sent a clear message to Iran, speaking clearly of a red line which it must not cross.

"We are deeply hopeful that this would happen and would pave the way for the GCC countries to live peacefully with Iran," Dr Mohammad Al Zulfa, former member of the Shura Council said.

Hamad Al Qah'tani, a university lecturer and political analyst said that the summit made it difficult for Iran to ignore the peaceful calls made by GCC leaders to solve all pending issues.

"It may be too late for Iran to maintain its own security if it doesn't cooperate," he said.

Mohammad Al Shehri, political writer, expressed optimism that Iran would respond positively to the GCC leaders calls to solve the problem of the UAE islands either through direct negotiations or through international arbitration.

"It is in the interest of Iran to cooperate with the GCC states to escape possible attacks against its nuclear facilities by the Western powers," he said.

"I am afraid that a stand-off between Iran and the West could lead to a regional conflict and therefore I advise Iran to listen to the calls of the GCC leaders to make us avoid such a crisis," he added.