Gulf States Expand Security Ties After U.S.-Israel Conflict With Iran

Gulf Cooperation Council states are expanding defense partnerships after Iranian missile and drone strikes hit bases and civilian sites during the February 2026 conflict. Iranian forces targeted locations in Bahrain and Kuwait even after a memorandum of understanding was reached earlier this month to end the fighting.

Several GCC governments kept communication channels open with Tehran and are pursuing economic cooperation.

Saudi Arabia signed a defense pact with Pakistan before the war, and other GCC members have purchased systems from European suppliers while keeping ties with Russia and China. Anna Jacobs Khalaf, a non-resident fellow at the Arab Gulf States Institute, said the goal is regional balance rather than replacing the United States.

"The focus for countries like Saudi Arabia is the regional balance of power and pushing back on both Iran and Israel," Jacobs Khalaf told Al Jazeera. She added that platforms such as a proposed group including Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Egypt and Pakistan are under discussion.

Annelle Sheline, a research fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, said GCC states will likely deepen relations with China, Turkiye and Europe while keeping a U.S. security link.

Several GCC countries are exploring joint infrastructure projects with Iran to raise the cost of future attacks. U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Emirati officials have held talks with Iranian counterparts, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, on economic measures.

Gulf officials also view Israeli military actions as a threat. Last year Israel struck Doha during ceasefire talks. Sheline said the outcome of the Lebanon-Israel agreement and any comprehensive U.S.-Iran deal will determine whether Washington reduces its regional role.