Gulf allies reportedly lose confidence in Trump over Iran war
Several US allies in the Gulf are reportedly becoming increasingly frustrated with President Donald Trump over what they see as a lack of effective diplomacy to end the war between the United States and Iran.
According to a report by The Washington Post, officials from Arab, European and US circles said governments in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain were growing increasingly concerned about the Trump administration’s approach to the conflict.
The report said Gulf allies were particularly worried that the Trump administration had failed to advance the diplomatic efforts needed to achieve a peaceful settlement with Iran.
According to the newspaper, some Gulf states have also started discussing whether continuing to host major US military bases on their territory remains in their national interest.
Three current US officials and a former American diplomat reportedly told the Washington Post that the debate had intensified after months of war and continued missile and drone attacks by Iran and groups allied with Tehran.
The officials said some Gulf countries were questioning how beneficial it was to host large US military installations while also facing potential security risks linked to the conflict.
One senior Gulf official was quoted as saying that Trump had started the war while Gulf countries were paying the price.
Despite the growing frustration, Gulf states continue to regard Washington as a major security partner and an important supplier of military equipment.
The United States maintains major military facilities in Qatar and Bahrain. These bases have long played an important role in Washington’s military presence and security strategy in the region.
However, the reported dissatisfaction is prompting some Gulf governments to consider alternative security arrangements. Some countries have also started exploring other options to reduce their dependence on the United States for defence and regional security.
The recent mutual defence agreement between Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan has also attracted attention in this context.
A senior European official reportedly described the agreement as a signal to Washington. According to the official, the so-called Makkah defence agreement indicates that Gulf countries may no longer want to rely exclusively on the United States for their security.
The development reflects growing concerns among some US allies about the consequences of the Iran conflict. While Gulf states continue to maintain close relations with Washington, the war has encouraged discussions about diversifying their security partnerships.
The reported shift could have wider implications for US influence in the Gulf. Any reduction in reliance on American military protection could encourage regional countries to strengthen defence cooperation with other partners.
