Gulf States Question Reliability of U.S. Security Guarantees
World
Gulf states are reassessing the reliability of U.S. security guarantees amid the conflict with Iran. Citing officials from countries across the region, Time reports that the war has brought the Gulf monarchies closer together and strengthened their focus on regional stability.
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According to the magazine, officials across the Gulf broadly agree on three points: Iran remains a long-term threat, the U.S. security umbrella is no longer considered dependable, and regional stability has become a priority of “existential” importance.
Time reports that Gulf states did not expect Washington to launch a military escalation despite their objections and then prove unable or unwilling to manage its consequences. According to the magazine, governments in the region have come to feel that they were drawn into the conflict without warning or consultation and were not adequately protected in the process.
The United States and Israel began striking targets in Iran on February 28, prompting Iranian attacks in response. In mid-June, Tehran and Washington signed a memorandum on a cessation of hostilities, but later exchanged strikes again. The conflict remains unresolved.
Against this backdrop, many Gulf states have returned their focus to restraint and de-escalation rather than direct confrontation with Iran. According to the source material, Qatar and Oman pressed the United States to reach a peace agreement as soon as possible. Kuwait and Bahrain initially supported continuing the conflict but later aligned themselves with the position of the other Gulf states.
The escalation has also severely disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global supplies of crude oil, petroleum products and liquefied natural gas. Disruptions along the route have contributed to higher fuel prices in most countries around the world.
The conflict has therefore strengthened the Gulf states’ focus on reducing tensions and seeking a more sustainable regional security framework, while raising new questions about the traditional role of the United States as the region’s principal external security guarantor.
Time reports that Gulf states did not expect Washington to launch a military escalation despite their objections and then prove unable or unwilling to manage its consequences. According to the magazine, governments in the region have come to feel that they were drawn into the conflict without warning or consultation and were not adequately protected in the process.
The United States and Israel began striking targets in Iran on February 28, prompting Iranian attacks in response. In mid-June, Tehran and Washington signed a memorandum on a cessation of hostilities, but later exchanged strikes again. The conflict remains unresolved.
Against this backdrop, many Gulf states have returned their focus to restraint and de-escalation rather than direct confrontation with Iran. According to the source material, Qatar and Oman pressed the United States to reach a peace agreement as soon as possible. Kuwait and Bahrain initially supported continuing the conflict but later aligned themselves with the position of the other Gulf states.
The escalation has also severely disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global supplies of crude oil, petroleum products and liquefied natural gas. Disruptions along the route have contributed to higher fuel prices in most countries around the world.
The conflict has therefore strengthened the Gulf states’ focus on reducing tensions and seeking a more sustainable regional security framework, while raising new questions about the traditional role of the United States as the region’s principal external security guarantor.
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