Gulf states are reassessing one of their core foreign‑policy assumptions — that a close strategic partnership with the United States guarantees regional stability. The ongoing Iran war has shaken that belief, prompting governments across the region to explore multiple security partnerships and greater self‑sufficiency.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al‑Ansari said the conflict has shown Gulf countries “cannot depend entirely on the American security umbrella.” He stressed that while US forces and international partnerships remain important, they are not sufficient on their own. His remarks, delivered at the Hili Forum in Abu Dhabi, reflect a broader debate about strategic autonomy in the Gulf.
Frustration with Washington has grown. A Washington Post report noted that Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain have become increasingly uneasy with what they view as Trump’s inconsistent stance on Iran. One Gulf official was quoted saying, “Trump started this war, and we are paying the price.”
The concern is especially acute because these states host some of the largest US military bases in the region. For decades, American forces have been seen as a deterrent against external threats. But the Iran conflict has raised a difficult question: what happens when those same bases become targets during a confrontation involving Washington?
Energy security adds another layer. Many Gulf nations are among the world’s biggest oil and gas exporters, making uninterrupted production and safe maritime routes essential. Yet instability linked to the Iran war — including disruptions around key shipping lanes — has sharply affected energy exports and commercial traffic.
This creates a strategic dilemma: Gulf economies depend on stable exports, but regional conflict directly threatens the infrastructure and sea lanes required to sustain them.