Overview
- Gulf governments have voiced growing anger at President Donald Trump’s handling of the Iran war and are privately discussing whether to continue hosting large U.S. military installations.
- Despite talk of distancing from Washington, Gulf states remain heavily dependent on U.S. weapons, munitions, intelligence and bases in countries such as Qatar and Bahrain for their immediate security needs.
- Iran and Iran-aligned groups have continued attacks, including Houthi strikes and pressure on the Strait of Hormuz, forcing Gulf exporters to reroute oil through Red Sea ports and increasing shipping risks and costs.
- A recently announced Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan mutual defense agreement is being read by officials as a deliberate signal that Gulf states want to diversify their security partnerships beyond the United States.
- The White House says it maintains close ties and regular contact with regional partners, but analysts warn that perceptions of erratic U.S. policy have weakened trust and could drive longer-term shifts in regional defense arrangements and economic pain for Gulf populations.