Gulf Allies Grow Frustrated With Trump’s Iran Policy, Question US Security Commitment
WASHINGTON: Frustration is growing among the United States’ Gulf allies over President Donald Trump’s handling of diplomatic efforts to end the conflict with Iran, with some governments increasingly questioning Washington’s reliability as a long-term security partner.
According to a report by The Washington Post, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain have expressed growing dissatisfaction with the Trump administration following months of conflict, continued Iranian attacks and strikes by groups aligned with Tehran.
The Gulf states are particularly concerned by what they view as an inconsistent US approach toward Iran. Trump has repeatedly issued tough warnings against Tehran before subsequently softening his position and citing progress in diplomatic negotiations.
The report said some Gulf governments have begun discussing whether continuing to host major US military facilities remains in their strategic interests.
“Trump started this war, and we are paying the price,” a Gulf official was quoted as saying, adding that anger toward Washington had reached a peak.
Despite the growing frustration, Gulf states remain heavily dependent on the United States for military protection, security cooperation and advanced weapons supplies. Qatar and Bahrain host major US military installations in the region.
However, concerns over Washington’s policy have reportedly encouraged some countries to explore alternative security arrangements and diversify their defence partnerships.
A senior European official told The Washington Post that the recently signed mutual defence agreement between Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan could be viewed as a signal to Washington that major regional powers are seeking greater strategic independence.
“The pact shows the three powerful states are trying to diversify their security and defence partnerships. In their mind, the US is not enough,” the official said.
The White House, however, rejected suggestions that relations between Washington and its Gulf allies were deteriorating.
A White House official said Trump maintains “extraordinary relationships” with US partners in the region and that Washington has remained in regular contact with its allies since before the launch of Operation Epic Fury.
The official also claimed that Iran is “more isolated than ever before” as a result of what Washington describes as Tehran’s terrorist activities.
Trump has recently said the United States has two options for dealing with Iran: waiting for its economy to collapse or launching another major military operation.
The US president has also said he intends to announce that the Strait of Hormuz is US territory, a claim strongly rejected by Iran.
Tehran has ridiculed the proposal, arguing that a strategically vital international waterway cannot be claimed as US territory through a social media post.
The growing tensions highlight a widening dilemma for Washington’s Gulf partners, which continue to rely on US military capabilities while simultaneously seeking greater control over their own regional security arrangements.
