Nicole is a research assistant in The Allison Center for Foreign Policy at The Heritage Foundation. Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, left, is welcomed by Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman, right, ahead of the council meeting in AlUla, Saudi Arabia. Anadolu Agency / Contributor / Getty Images Key Takeaways The agreement marks the end of a dispute that has divided the Persian Gulf region since 2017. It is unclear whether Qatar has agreed to these demands, but the lifting of the blockade and restoration of ties is one less diplomatic headache for Washington. This diplomatic victory from Washington paves the way towards full reconciliation in the Gulf Cooperation Council and hopefully a more united front in the Gulf.