Gulf countries have said that they want to be involved in any talks between the United States and Iran, insisting that while they had a right to self-defence, they preferred diplomacy, AFP reports.

“We emphasise the necessity of involving the GCC countries in any talks or agreements to resolve this crisis, in a way that contributes to strengthening their security and stability,” Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary General Jasem AlBudaiwi said in a televised speech.

AlBudaiwi also said Iran had been asking vessels to pay sums of money to cross the Strait of Hormuz.