But as experts of global governance and political economy, we also ask: Could such a rail project help reshape politics and conflict in the region? The current war in Iran has served to underscore the need for Gulf cooperation, and the GCC Railway project may be the means by which this is finally achieved. The gathered kingdoms called for increased security cooperation as well as joint electricity and oil pipeline connections between GCC states. They also pledged expedited construction and completion of the GCC railway project. In June 2026, Saudi Arabia and Turkey signed a memorandum of understanding on railway connectivity that includes reviving and upgrading the century-old Hejaz Railway to reconnect Turkey to Saudi Arabia via Jordan and Syria.