Gulf Arab states are reassessing their security strategies amid growing concerns over their reliance on U.S. military protection, which has shown vulnerabilities during ongoing regional tensions with Iran. Over the past six months, Iran and its allied forces have launched repeated missile and drone attacks against Gulf countries, inflicting significant damage on American military bases, luxury hotels, and critical energy infrastructure, including a major Saudi Arabian oil pipeline.
Historically dependent on the U.S. military presence in the region—hosting American bases for decades—Gulf Arab officials are now exploring alternative measures to deter attacks and ensure regional security. These include pursuing direct diplomatic engagement with Iran, despite setbacks. A scheduled meeting between Iran and Gulf states was postponed following a deadlock over discussions concerning the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for Gulf energy exports, according to a senior Gulf official who spoke anonymously due to the sensitivity of the talks.
The recent conflict, driven by the U.S. and Israel’s confrontation with Iran, has exposed the limitations of Gulf countries’ security arrangements under the American umbrella. While the U.S. helped mitigate the damage caused by Iranian offensives—averting potentially higher casualties and wider disruptions—it has been unable to fully protect its regional partners. For instance, the U.S. naval base in Bahrain, long a symbol of American military support, was nearly destroyed during Iran’s retaliation in February, prompting the evacuation of most personnel.
Regional militaries remain comparatively weaker than Iran’s, despite extensive investments in advanced equipment such as American-supplied F-15 fighter jets and Patriot missile systems. Gulf countries have thus struggled to counter Iran's campaigns alone. Meanwhile, major powers like China and Russia, which maintain close ties with Gulf states, have not stepped in as security guarantors.
Efforts to enhance regional defense capacity through agreements—such as a recently proposed pact involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey—remain untested, and doubts persist about their reliability. As a result, Gulf officials largely view future security frameworks as complementing rather than replacing U.S. support. The International Crisis Group’s Gulf project director, Yasmine Farouk, described the most viable approach as building partnerships to “supplement” America's security presence.
The conflict has also affected Gulf economies and their reputations as safe investment destinations, particularly after disruptions caused by attacks on energy infrastructure. Shortages of U.S.-supplied missile interceptors at the start of hostilities compelled Gulf states to seek alternative defense supplies from Ukraine and Europe, although even enhanced air defenses provide limited protection against inexpensive Iranian drones.
U.S. officials emphasize the ongoing strength of America's ties with Gulf countries. A White House spokeswoman noted that President Trump remains in constant communication with regional partners and dismissed critiques of American military support as uninformed.
Meanwhile, some Gulf leaders advocate for new multilateral security arrangements involving Iran, Iraq, and Gulf states. Oman’s foreign minister, Badr al-Busaidi, called for a regional framework that would share security responsibilities and reassess alliances, including ties with the United States. Prior to the conflict, some Gulf countries had already sought rapprochement with Iran as a means to ease tensions, and despite initial derailments, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar have resumed diplomatic engagement.
Anwar Gargash, a senior official from the United Arab Emirates, acknowledged at a recent conference that diplomatic efforts with Iran are unavoidable given geographical realities. “Iran remains our neighbor, and at some point we will have to find a way to restore what can be restored,” he said, underscoring the complex security dynamics shaping the Gulf’s future.