The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) comprised Saudi Arabia as a de facto leader, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, has been described as an important ally to Saudi Arabia in this conflict. Concerns over Iran's expansionary goals following the 1979 revolution are said to be the main drivers for the creation of the GCC in 1981 as a regional political, economic, and security alliance. It is important to note that there are numerous political and ideological differences among the GCC's members, and their positions towards Iran are not identical. Especially Qatar and Oman have pursued a strategy of maintaining positive relations, emphasizing independent trade and commercial links to Iran.