Gulf States Received Limited Regional Military Support During Iran Conflict

The U.S.-Israel military campaign against Iran that began February 28 included repeated Iranian ballistic missile and drone strikes on all six Gulf Cooperation Council member states. The United Arab Emirates absorbed the largest share of those attacks.

After the April 8 ceasefire, some Gulf officials questioned why larger Arab states had not provided more direct military assistance. The number of aircraft, their exact locations, and any combat role remain undisclosed. France also operated 12 Rafales from UAE bases during the war and fired at least 80 air-to-air missiles against Iranian drones.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Egypt additionally deployed ground-based Skyguard Amoun air-defense systems to the UAE and other Gulf states.

Reuters reported that Pakistan sent 8,000 troops, JF-17 fighter jets, and Chinese-made HQ-9 air-defense systems to Saudi Arabia. Pakistan has stationed forces in the kingdom during earlier regional crises. Turkey maintains troops and F-16 aircraft in Qatar.

Egypt, Pakistan, and Turkey are now urging renewed negotiations with Iran, citing both regional stability and the safety of their deployed personnel and equipment.