DistantNews
Support us
Trump’s Gulf allies fear his Iran agreement is a ‘disastrous turning point’
🇪🇬 Egypt /Conflict & Security

Trump’s Gulf allies fear his Iran agreement is a ‘disastrous turning point’

From Egypt Independent · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Gulf Arab states fear a US agreement with Iran marks a disastrous shift in regional security.
  • Leaders had viewed their US relationship as a strategic partnership, but Trump's transactional approach and perceived wavering commitment have caused concern.
  • Despite facilitating a ceasefire deal, Gulf nations remain skeptical about US security assurances amid ongoing tensions with Tehran.

Leaders in the Persian Gulf have long relied on the United States as a strategic partner for their security. However, former President Donald Trump's transactional approach, exemplified by his demands for payment for military protection, sowed seeds of doubt. This was amplified after attacks on Saudi oil facilities in 2019, which, despite US blame on Iran, left Gulf states questioning American resolve.

King, we’re protecting you. You might not be there for two weeks without us. You have to pay for your military.

— Donald TrumpTrump's transactional vision of the US-Saudi relationship in 2018.

Trump's administration had pledged protection during his first official trip abroad to the region, but this commitment faced its biggest test this year. The US, alongside Israel, launched a war against Iran, prompting retaliatory attacks that again forced Gulf governments to question the true meaning of American protection.

We are going to protect this country.

— Donald TrumpUS President during his Gulf tour in Qatar in May.

Now, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is tasked with reassuring Gulf allies of Washington's commitment. However, many in the region are more concerned about whether a new agreement with Iran will ultimately leave them more vulnerable. "From the Arab Gulf states’ perspective, the Iran war is a disastrous turning point for the regional security order," said Hasan Alhasan, a senior fellow at the International Strategic Studies (IISS).

From the Arab Gulf states’ perspective, the Iran war is a disastrous turning point for the regional security order.

— Hasan AlhasanSenior fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) on the impact of the Iran war.

Alhasan believes US disengagement and financial flows to Iran will embolden Tehran. "Nonetheless, the Arab Gulf states have facilitated and supported the Iran-US ceasefire deal. For them, a bad deal is still preferable to war," he told CNN. Rubio's tour includes the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Kuwait, nations that directly suffered from Iranian attacks and are likely most skeptical of the détente.

US disengagement from the Gulf and the flow of financial and economic resources to Iran are likely to embolden Tehran further.

— Hasan AlhasanSenior fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) on the consequences of US policy.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Egypt Independent. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog