Now is time for Israel, US to support Gulf states in confronting Iran - editorial

Gulf states are demonstrating a newfound willingness to directly confront Iran, a significant shift from their previous reliance on U.S. intervention. Recent reports suggest Bahrain and Kuwait secretly deployed fighter jets to strike Iranian drone and missile sites, with the UAE reportedly offering intelligence and defensive air support. While Kuwait has denied involvement and Bahrain remains silent, these actions, if true, mark a dramatic change in the Middle East's security landscape.

This evolving regional dynamic is driven by a growing consensus among Arab governments that Iran poses a direct threat. Unlike in past decades when the Arab-Israeli conflict dominated regional alliances, Iran's actions are now directly impacting Gulf nations. Iranian missiles have been fired toward Kuwait and Bahrain, and Houthi attacks, supported by Iran, threaten Saudi oil facilities and vital shipping lanes in the Red Sea. This direct threat makes Iran's "resistance" narrative harder to sustain.

The editorial urges Israel and the United States to recognize and support this burgeoning regional defense alliance. It posits that Gulf states bring crucial assets like geography, bases, airspace, financial resources, and political influence, while Israel offers valuable experience in missile and drone defense, intelligence, and cyber capabilities. The U.S. remains essential for connecting these disparate assets, fostering a unified front against Iran.