(Adnkronos) – The Gulf countries are preparing to redesign their security architecture after the war between the United States, Israel, and Iran, amidst the search for new partners and the awareness that in the long term, the threat from Tehran will remain. The conflict, writes the Guardian in an analysis, has in fact highlighted that the American military presence, a pillar of Gulf security – despite its demonstrated ability to intercept most of the missiles and drones launched by Tehran – has at the same time proven to be a factor of vulnerability, exposing the region’s monarchies to Iranian retaliation.
Furthermore, the Strait of Hormuz remains a central issue, a vital hub for global energy trade. Tehran intends to maintain the control acquired during the conflict over the maritime passage, a prospect deemed unacceptable by the Gulf monarchies and destined to weigh on upcoming negotiations with the United States in Pakistan.
On the political front, the region appears divided on the strategy to adopt with Tehran. The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain are pushing for a hard line, while other countries aim to reopen dialogue channels and seek de-escalation. A first sign came from contact between Saudi Arabia and Iran, with a discussion between their respective foreign ministers to discuss a reduction in tensions.
In this context, according to the Guardian, the idea of adding new security partners alongside the United States is gaining traction. Some analysts argue that the region could strengthen ties with actors such as Turkey, Pakistan, and Europe, without however replacing Washington. “The United States remains the only power with a true military architecture in the Gulf, but they increasingly appear to be an expensive and not entirely reliable partner,” observed Andreas Krieg of King’s College London.
It is no coincidence that initiatives in this direction have multiplied in recent months. Defense agreements have been signed between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, a partnership between the Emirates and India, and understandings with Ukraine to counter the drone threat. Simultaneously, there is thought of strengthening cooperation with the United Kingdom (Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been visiting the Gulf since yesterday), while the hypothesis – unrealistic – of a ‘Muslim NATO’ remains in the background. Noteworthy is the position of the United Arab Emirates, which have publicly announced a review of regional and international relations. Presidential advisor, Anwar Gargash, spoke of the need to “re-evaluate” partners they can rely on, after being hit by the Iranian response.
Tehran, for its part, claims to have maintained “strong relations” with the Gulf countries despite the “collateral damage” of the war. The Iranian ambassador to Tashkent, Mohammad Ali Eskandari, argued that the region’s populations would have “welcomed” the attacks against American bases, highlighting that Washington failed to protect its allies.
