Is Trump losing the Gulf? Why Saudi Arabia and US allies are rethinking Washington

For over five months, the US-Iran conflict has continued without resolution, causing frustration among several West Asian nations. Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain are questioning the necessity of maintaining large US military bases in the region due to President Trump's inability to secure a peace agreement with Tehran. The US President's contradictory statements and the burden of the ongoing war have led to a significant decline in trust among Gulf states.

The Anglo-Iranian war has caused oil exports to plummet due to the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for the region's oil industry. Saudi Arabia, being one of the largest energy suppliers, has suffered the most significant impact. The closure of the strait has forced the kingdom to reroute its oil exports through the Red Sea, resulting in a dramatic decrease in tanker traffic and a sharp increase in oil prices.

The Gulf nations feel dragged into a war they did not want and see US actions as making them less safe rather than more. Despite still relying on the US for weapons, training, and intelligence, these countries are seeking alternative security arrangements. Saudi Arabia, in particular, is experiencing the heaviest pressure due to direct Iranian strikes and support from Iran-backed Houthi fighters in Yemen.

The situation has eroded trust in the US among Gulf states, leading some to explore new security partnerships. In a strategic move, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan have recently signed a mutual defense pact, signaling a shift in their security alliances. This development highlights the growing skepticism of the US as the sole provider of regional security in the face of a prolonged and destructive conflict.