Gulf States, led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), are urging U.S. President Donald Trump to continue military operations against Iran until the regime is decisively weakened or removed. The push comes nearly a month after the U.S.-led bombing campaign began, with Gulf officials arguing that Iran remains a significant regional threat.
Core Facts
- Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain are advocating for sustained military pressure on Iran, including potential ground operations, to cripple its leadership or alter its behavior. The UAE, which suffered heavy retaliatory strikes from Iran, is reportedly the most hawkish, pushing for a U.S. ground invasion. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are leading efforts to increase military pressure on Tehran.
- Qatar and Oman maintain a neutral stance, favoring diplomatic solutions over continued military action. They argue that negotiations could resolve the conflict without further escalation.
Deeper Context
Gulf States' Rationale
Officials from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain believe that Iran has not been sufficiently weakened by the ongoing airstrikes. They argue that the current military campaign presents a historic opportunity to dismantle Iran’s clerical rule or force a dramatic shift in its regional behavior. Saudi Arabia, in particular, doubts that any future deal with Iran would guarantee long-term security for Gulf nations.
UAE's Hawkish Shift
The UAE, which absorbed the brunt of Iran’s retaliatory attacks—including over 2,300 missiles and drones—has become the most vocal advocate for escalation. Emirati officials, including Foreign Ministry state minister Noura Al Kaabi, have called for guarantees that Iran will no longer pose a threat. Some Emirati voices have even expressed irredentist claims over islands historically contested with Iran.
Diplomatic Alternatives
Qatar and Oman, while not directly involved in the conflict, continue to advocate for diplomacy. They argue that prolonged military engagement risks further destabilizing the region and that negotiations could achieve lasting security without the need for regime change.
U.S. Leadership's Response
President Trump has vacillated between claiming that Iran is ready to negotiate and threatening further escalation if no deal is reached. He has asserted that Gulf allies, including those initially hesitant about the war, now fully support the campaign. However, public support for the war in the U.S. remains low, with over 3,000 casualties reported across the Middle East and significant economic disruptions globally.
Netanyahu's Proposal
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has offered a solution to the Strait of Hormuz crisis, though details remain unclear. The proposal may involve securing the critical shipping lane, which Iran has threatened to close in retaliation for the attacks.