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US allies' patience wearing thin: 'Trump started this war, and we are paying for it'
🇱🇹 Lithuania /Conflict & Security

US allies' patience wearing thin: 'Trump started this war, and we are paying for it'

From Delfi · () Lithuanian

Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Persian Gulf states are reportedly expressing growing dissatisfaction with U.S. policy under the Trump administration, feeling they are bearing the cost of a war initiated by him.
  • This discontent has reached its peak since the start of the war with Iran in February 2026, potentially jeopardizing the presence of U.S. military bases in the region.
  • While these nations seek to diversify security partnerships, the U.S. maintains that President Trump has strong relationships with Gulf partners and that Iran is increasingly isolated.

Governments in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain are reportedly unified in their "displeasure" with policies and decisions made by the Trump administration, according to sources cited by WP. One official from a Persian Gulf country stated, "Trump started this war, and we are paying for it," indicating that anger towards the U.S. has reached its highest point since the war with Iran began in February 2026.

Trump started this war, and we are paying for it.

— Persian Gulf country officialAn official from a Persian Gulf country expressed frustration over the financial burden of a war they attribute to the Trump administration.

This rising discontent has put the future of U.S. military bases in these countries in question, with some nations exploring "new cooperation opportunities." Experts emphasize that despite this dissatisfaction, Washington remains the primary security partner and arms supplier for these Gulf nations, and they lack viable alternatives. Qatar and Bahrain host significant U.S. military bases, which Iran has repeatedly targeted in recent months. A representative from one Gulf nation noted that strengthening ties with Washington is the only feasible option, adding, "Whatever we do, we cannot say 'no' to the U.S."

Whatever we do, we cannot say 'no' to the U.S.

— Representative from a Gulf nationA representative highlighted the continued reliance on the U.S. as a security partner despite growing dissatisfaction.

A senior European official suggested that these three countries are attempting to "diversify their security and defense partnerships." However, a White House spokesperson reassured that President Trump maintains "extremely good" relations with all U.S. partners in the Gulf. The spokesperson also stated that Iran is more isolated than ever due to its "terrorist actions."

diversify their security and defense partnerships

— Senior European officialA European official commented on the strategic intentions of the Gulf nations in seeking varied partnerships.

President Trump has consistently promised progress in negotiations with Iran, but the process remains stalled. CNN, citing sources, reported that U.S. military forces are seeking new methods to pressure Iran, suggesting Washington has limited options to compel Tehran to agree to terms. During a political rally, Trump was quoted as saying, "When we finish defeating Iran, which is suffering a very big defeat, I will very quickly declare the Strait of Hormuz the territory of the United States." A White House official later clarified to The Wall Street Journal that Trump was joking.

extremely good

— White House spokespersonA White House spokesperson described President Trump's relationships with Gulf partners.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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