The war in the Middle East and the tensions along the US-Iran axis have increased questions regarding the security guarantees provided by Washington in Gulf countries. According to a report by Time magazine citing officials from regional countries, Arab monarchies no longer trust US military and political protection as much as they once did.
The report states that a prevailing assessment in Gulf capitals is that while the US is prepared to enter a regional war alongside Israel, it has not demonstrated sufficient will or capacity to manage the consequences of such a war. It was noted that regional administrations have long failed to see a consistent strategy in Washington's Iran policy.
As reported by Time, the seemingly variable goals of the Donald Trump administration during the conflict process and its attempts to withdraw from confrontation even while the Strait of Hormuz was closed have strengthened the feeling of being "left without warning, consultation, or protection" among Gulf countries.
This situation has led regional countries toward a path that prioritizes diplomatic contacts and deterrence options rather than direct confrontation with Iran. It was reported that Qatar and Oman are encouraging Washington to reach an agreement with Tehran, while Saudi Arabia is supporting Pakistan's mediation efforts.
While it was stated that the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain are also participating in peace-oriented diplomatic contacts, it was noted that the Gulf bloc has long been seeking a balance between a "Washington that does not provide confidence" and a "Tehran that is seen as a threat."
A previous report by The Washington Post also wrote that dissatisfaction with the Trump administration's Iran policy is growing in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain. The report emphasized that some countries have begun to question the presence of large US military bases on their soil, but that there is no strong alternative security partner to Washington in the short term.
Financial Times reported that Iran's attacks on US bases in the region are creating pressure on the future of Washington's military presence. According to Politico, although Gulf countries are trying to cooperate in the search for common ground for peace with Iran, old disputes among the Arab monarchies are complicating this process.
News Source: 12punto
