THE current regional and international conflicts in the Gulf region have exceeded “all reasonable limits” and have become a cause of worry for leaders and residents alike, a top official said yesterday.

His Majesty’s adviser for diplomatic affairs and chairman of the board of trustees of the Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies, Dr Mohammed Abdulghaffar, said the call to wage a new war in this region was also worrisome.

He was speaking at a conference – GCC Conflict and Competition – organised by the centre yesterday at the Sofitel Hotel. Several experts took part in the event.

Dr Abdulghaffar described Iran, GCC and the US as a “strategic triangle” that defined the balance of regional security.

He hailed the strides made by GCC countries in various sectors during the last three decades, and said the nations should now stand united and boost development further. Highlighting Iran’s threat and its desire for “regional hegemony,” he said the GCC countries should frame common strategies to face threats to its security.

He also stressed the need to curb extremism by addressing social grievances at various levels.