Washington’s Gulf partners are signaling unusual frustration, but their security dependence on the United States makes a decisive break difficult.
Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain are intensifying their criticism of the Donald Trump administration’s actions amid the prolonged confrontation between the United States and Iran. After several months of fighting, missile strikes, and drone attacks carried out by Iran and its allies, Persian Gulf countries are increasingly doubting Washington’s ability to secure a diplomatic settlement.
A representative of one Gulf state said that dissatisfaction with U.S. policy has reached its highest level since the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran began in February.
Trump started the war, and we are paying the price for it
– representative of a Gulf country
Against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict, some regional states have begun reassessing their approach to hosting major U.S. military facilities on their territory. At the same time, a Western diplomat working in the Persian Gulf noted that the current frustration does not mean a complete break or a sharp shift in the region’s attitude toward the United States.
It was more of a necessary evil. Now the necessity of it is being called into question
– a Western diplomat working in the region
Gulf Countries Remain Dependent on the United States for Security
Trump’s statements about possible new actions against Iran are adding to the tension. He later withdrew some of those threats, citing alleged progress in negotiations. However, no final agreement between Washington and Tehran on ending the conflict has yet been reached.
The White House rejected claims that relations with allies have deteriorated. It stressed that Trump maintains close contact with partners in the Persian Gulf and that the United States has regularly coordinated its actions with regional allies since the beginning of the conflict.
Despite increasingly vocal criticism, Gulf states remain dependent on the United States for defense. The U.S. supplies its partners with weapons and ammunition, as well as intelligence.
The Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s Position
Iran and Oman have been discussing safe routes for ships through the Strait of Hormuz for three months. Tehran links the full restoration of security for commercial shipping in the area to the cessation of U.S. military operations.
Abbas Araghchi said that Iran’s leadership has not yet decided whether to resume negotiations with the United States. His deputy, Kazem Gharibabadi, stressed that Tehran intends to retain control over the Strait of Hormuz and will not allow another country to seize this strategic waterway.
Thus, the prolonged war with Iran not only complicates the prospects for negotiations but also heightens concerns among U.S. partners in the Persian Gulf about their own security and the stability of maritime transport.