Iran's attacks prove Israel, Gulf states need a permanent regional defense alliance - editorial

Iran's recent attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and other Gulf states have blurred the lines between Israel's confrontation with Tehran and the broader regional security challenges. For years, Gulf governments depended on American security guarantees, maintained quiet security cooperation with Israel, and kept diplomatic channels open with Iran. This cautious approach, aimed at avoiding provocation and domestic backlash, is now deemed insufficient.

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Iran’s attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and other Gulf states have erased any remaining distinction between Israel’s confrontation with Tehran and the security threats facing the wider region.

The current reality, where Iranian missiles and drones directly target Gulf territory, threaten U.S. bases, and endanger vital infrastructure like ports, airports, energy facilities, and desalination plants, demands a unified response. Iran has shown it can target nations without a formal state of war, simply for hosting U.S. forces, aiding regional defense, or obstructing its ambitions. While Israel and the Gulf states face distinct political landscapes, the weapons threatening their populations originate from the same arsenal and serve a unified strategy.

A regional defense strategy is essential. Israel possesses extensive experience in intercepting ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, while Gulf countries have invested heavily in advanced defensive platforms. The United States also maintains radar, air-defense systems, and command infrastructure throughout the region. However, existing cooperation is often discreet, fragmented, and reactive, relying on ad-hoc decisions made after attacks have already occurred.

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It is no longer sufficient when Iranian missiles and drones are targeting Gulf territory, threatening American bases and placing ports, airports, energy facilities and desalination plants at risk.

This fragmented approach is dangerous when multiple countries face simultaneous launches and critical infrastructure is at risk within minutes. The recent conflict highlighted how isolated national systems can be overwhelmed or forced to act alone. A formal framework is needed, beginning with real-time intelligence sharing and a common early-warning system. Radar data must flow rapidly between Israel, Gulf states, and U.S. forces, with clear procedures for threat identification and interception assignment.

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Iran has demonstrated that countries do not need to be at war with it to become targets.

Joint exercises should extend beyond missile interception to prepare for a range of threats, including airport closures, cyberattacks, hospital surges, disruptions to essential services like electricity and water, and strikes on energy infrastructure. Civil defense agencies must train collaboratively, mirroring the efforts of military commands. This integrated approach is vital for ensuring collective security in the face of escalating regional threats.

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The response must therefore become regional.