Gulf States Review Security Strategies After Iran Conflict

The war between the United States, Israel, and Iran, which started on February 28, 2026, has prompted Gulf Arab states to reconsider their security strategies. Iran responded to the initial strikes by attacking airports, seaports, oil installations, and desalination plants in Gulf countries.

These actions also led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, blocking exports from Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, while impeding those from Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. U.S. forces assisted in intercepting some of the Iranian attacks on Gulf states, but damage occurred to the region's infrastructure and its reputation as a safe business environment.

For about a decade prior, Gulf states had maintained security through neutrality in Iran-related confrontations, strong defense ties with Washington, and open communication with Tehran to avoid escalation. The current conflict has led Gulf governments to question these approaches.

Gulf states have rejected the idea of a regional security architecture centered on Israeli military superiority, as promoted by the United States and Israel. This framework assumed shared opposition to Iran's nuclear program and its allies in Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen.

However, the war has demonstrated to Gulf leaders that Israel's willingness to engage in preemptive actions disregards their interests and exposes them to risks. In the lead-up to the conflict, Gulf governments advised the United States against attacking Iran and advocated for negotiations instead.

They stated they would not allow their territories to be used for strikes against Iran. Despite efforts to improve relations with Iran, such as Saudi Arabia's 2023 détente with Tehran, Gulf states faced Iranian retaliation shortly after the U.S.-Israeli actions began.