Gulf States Reassess Security Strategies in Iran War

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.

Some Gulf countries had normalized relations with Israel in recent years, gaining access to advanced U.S. and Israeli military technology and commercial opportunities. For instance, the United Arab Emirates secured a normalization deal that initially included a U.S. agreement to sell F-35 fighter jets, though the sale stalled later.

Saudi Arabia was in discussions for a U.S. defense pact contingent on normalizing ties with Israel. These normalization efforts sidestepped the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, which conditioned recognition of Israel on withdrawal from occupied Palestinian territories.

Israel's actions, including its response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack—resulting in over 70,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza—and strikes in Doha in September 2025, have further strained relations. Gulf leaders now seek to diversify arms suppliers and security partnerships while improving coordination among themselves.

In spring 2024, Iran launched over 300 drones and missiles at Israel, which were intercepted by U.S., British, French, and Jordanian forces. This event raised questions in Gulf capitals about potential responses to attacks on their own territories. The recent war has provided answers, showing limited protection despite U.S. involvement.

Gulf states have divided into different approaches, with Oman's strategy reflecting a push for greater independence. The conflict has underscored that hosting U.S. bases and using American weapons positions Gulf countries within a security framework that Iran views as enabling U.S. and Israeli operations, regardless of their stated neutrality.