The EU held its first EU-Gulf Cooperation Council amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly with ongoing attacks by Hezbollah and Iran against Israel. Jasem Al Budaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, discussed the EU's role in advocating for peace and the two-state solution, while expressing concerns over arms sales to Israel. He emphasized the need for de-escalation in the region, including Iran's involvement, and addressed the implications of rising oil prices due to instability. The conversation also touched on human rights dialogues between the EU and Gulf states, with Al Budaiwi defending the Gulf's human rights record against criticisms from various organizations.