Before the war in Iran, US President Donald Trump’s Gulf allies strongly opposed any military strikes. They worried that actions against Iran would spark retaliation against them. As the conflict continues, they fear that a quick US withdrawal could leave them in a worse situation.
In recent days, there has been a shift toward discussions to end the war. Gulf Arab officials are clear: Iran’s military capabilities must be curtailed to ensure they don’t pose an immediate threat. The fear of Iran’s nuclear ambitions still exists, but right now, its missile power is seen as a pressing danger.
Saudi Arabia is particularly anxious about Iran’s missiles. They want to see their capacity reduced significantly before any ceasefire. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates feels the pressure of living with an Iranian missile program and sees it as unsustainable. Anwar Gargash, an adviser to the UAE president, emphasized that they’re thinking beyond just a ceasefire. Long-term security solutions are necessary, tackling issues like Iran’s nuclear threat and its missile programs.
US officials echo these concerns. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the aim is to dismantle Iran’s missile capabilities and its naval power.
Complicating matters, Iranian officials claim that most of their military efforts have targeted neighboring Arab states, despite those countries advocating against the conflict. Allegations have surfaced that some states allowed the US to use their land for operations against Iran.
As the war unfolds, Iran’s demands have shifted. They are now pushing for a new regional order that gives them control over the Strait of Hormuz and compensation for wartime damages. Tehran has even threatened to expand attacks on its neighbors, escalating tensions even further.
Recently, reports indicated that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is urging Trump to maintain military pressure, seeing it as a chance to reshape the Middle East. However, publicly, Saudi Arabia is still promoting de-escalation, expressing support for peaceful resolutions.
Qatar, on the other hand, has felt the impact of the conflict directly, with its LNG production severely affected by Iranian attacks. Their foreign ministry spokesperson insisted that any resolution must include the interests of Arab nations affected by Iran.
The costs are high. Reports suggest that US-Israeli actions against Iran have led to over 1,750 deaths and more than 20,000 injuries. In retaliation, Iran has launched thousands of missiles into neighboring states, threatening regional stability. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has also blocked vital shipping routes, costing neighbors billions in lost energy revenue.
The UAE has suffered particularly heavy casualties, and the situation grows more dire as the conflict drags on. Despite claims of victory from Trump, the threats remain potent, prompting fears among Gulf states about an emboldened Iran.
Experts assert that the relationship between Gulf states and Iran, which had improved in prior years, is now critically strained. An Iranian government that remains strong after the war poses a significant threat to these nations, especially if it continues to control crucial maritime routes.
Abdulaziz Sager, from the Gulf Research Center, emphasized the need for any agreement between the US and Iran to include guarantees to prevent future aggressions. Political scientists, like Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, see Iran as a major adversary, with the IRGC posing the biggest threat to regional security.
Today, Iran is viewed as “public enemy number one” by Gulf Arab states. The focus is not solely on terrorism; it’s about a state acting aggressively through its military. Abdulla urges that the international community cannot allow Iran to escape accountability for its actions.
This evolving situation highlights the urgent need for meaningful dialogue and comprehensive security agreements in the Gulf region, ensuring that the cycle of conflict does not continue.
For more depth on the situation, you can check CNN’s coverage for updates.
