Russia proposes an updated collective security concept for the Gulf
At the ninth ministerial meeting of the Russia–GCC Strategic Dialogue in Bahrain, Sergey Lavrov put forward an updated Gulf security framework; the GCC urged Russia to press Iran to halt its attacks.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow supports the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states' efforts to prevent a return to full-scale war in the Middle East, speaking at the ninth ministerial meeting of the Russia–GCC Strategic Dialogue in Manama, Bahrain, on 18 October. Lavrov put forward an updated concept of collective security for the Gulf.
What Russia proposed
Under the concept, the littoral states themselves should have the decisive say in how the region's security is ensured. It envisages direct dialogue among the Gulf coastal states and their neighbours Iraq and Jordan, with the League of Arab States, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the permanent members of the UN Security Council supporting the process. Lavrov said earlier versions had been discussed with political and expert circles in GCC states over several decades.
What the GCC asked of Russia
The GCC urged Russia to use its seat on the UN Security Council to press Tehran to comply with UN resolutions, cease its attacks and enter dialogue with Gulf states. According to The National, Iran has launched more than 7,000 ballistic missiles and drones at GCC states since 28 February, striking airports, ports, power stations, desalination plants and energy facilities.
The numbers
Lavrov said trade between Russia and the GCC rose 45% in 2025, with cooperation continuing under a joint action plan for 2023–2028. An attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on 10 October killed 12 people and injured more than 300.
Hormuz and energy
The GCC called for maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz to return to the conditions in place before 28 February, saying disruptions threaten global energy and food security.
Who took part
The meeting was chaired by Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani; GCC Secretary General Jasem Al Budaiwi attended. Lavrov called strengthening ties with the GCC a priority of Russian foreign policy, saying 'the effectiveness of our economic cooperation depends to a significant extent on the stability of the region.'
