Gulf Cooperation Council information ministers held an extraordinary virtual meeting on March 9 to coordinate media strategy amid the escalating regional conflict, the Oman News Agency ONA reported.

Oman was represented by Information Minister Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Harrasi, who told the meeting that media messaging at the current stage was of paramount importance and called for balanced and responsible coverage that promoted stability and reflected public confidence in the ability of Gulf societies to weather the crisis.

Bahrain's Information Minister Ramzan Abdullah Al-Nuaimi, who chaired the meeting, praised Oman's efforts under Sultan Haitham bin Tariq in bringing viewpoints closer together in the service of international peace and security.

The meeting discussed strengthening coordination among official GCC media institutions and intensifying efforts to counter what ministers described as rumours and disinformation campaigns.

Al-Harrasi said the current stage required adherence to firm principles in Gulf media discourse based on wisdom, balance and rationality, and prioritising what united the countries of the region.

The emergency session signals growing concern among Gulf governments over the information environment surrounding the conflict, as Iranian strikes on GCC member states including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain continue to generate widespread public anxiety.