Correct answer: (a) Iran
Explanation
- A
Iran
Iran is a Persian Gulf State but is not a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council. GCC membership is confined to six Arab monarchies. Iran is therefore the country that is not a member, which is the official key.
- B
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is a founding member of the GCC and hosts the secretariat in Riyadh. It is a member, so this option is not the answer to ‘not a member’.
- C
Oman
Oman is a founding GCC member. It is not the odd one out.
- D
Kuwait
Kuwait is a founding GCC member. It is not the country outside the Council.
Summary. Official key is (a) Iran. The Gulf Cooperation Council, formed in 1981, comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Iran and Iraq are Gulf littoral States but are not GCC members. The question asks for the non-member among the four names. Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait all sit inside the Council.
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