The six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have been facing longstanding challenges regarding cooperation, with plans for a common currency and a railway system across the Arabian Peninsula significantly delayed. Disagreements in foreign policy have led to prolonged rifts among the monarchies in the region. In recent developments, the war has resulted in a reluctant consensus among the Gulf states, particularly after the United States and Israel targeted Iran, leading to over 2,000 Iranian missiles and drones striking the Gulf states since February 28.

The dynamics of the attacks have not been evenly distributed across the GCC nations; for instance, more than half of Iran's attacks have been aimed at the United Arab Emirates (UAE), while Oman has seen relatively few strikes. This disparity highlights the varying levels of risk and vulnerability felt by different Gulf states amid escalating tensions. As noted by the Economist, the impact of these attacks has been keenly felt across the region, leading to shared concerns among the monarchs about the implications for their security and stability.

One of the recent drone attacks on March 9 targeted Bahrain's sole oil refinery, causing significant damage and underscoring the escalating threat from Iran. This incident exemplifies the urgent need for collaborative strategies among GCC members to address external aggressions and enhance their collective security in the face of Iranian provocations. The cooperation hurdles within the GCC may hinder their ability to respond effectively, making it critical for these states to reconsider their political and military strategies in the region.