Frustration in Gulf States with Trump Grows: 'We Are Paying the Price'

Arab and Western sources told the Washington Post that frustration in the Gulf states with the Trump administration's handling of Iran is growing, and they fear the president is unable to bring an end to the war. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain are frustrated, and some are discussing the usefulness of continuing to host American bases. A Gulf source attacked: "Trump started the war and we are paying the price." Anger is at its peak since February. The defense pact signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan is seen as a message to Washington.

Arab and Western sources told the Washington Post that frustration in the Gulf states with the Trump administration's handling of Iran is growing, and they fear the president is unable to manage the diplomatic moves needed to end the war. According to the report, after months of fighting and missile and drone launches by Iran and its proxies, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain are increasingly frustrated. Three sources and a former American diplomat said that some countries have begun discussing whether it makes sense to continue hosting large American military installations. A source from one of the Gulf states said: "Trump started the war and we are paying the price," and anger towards the US is at its peak since February. The concern also focuses on how Trump manages the tension: he repeatedly threatened Tehran and then backed down. Despite the frustration, the Gulf states still rely on the US as a security partner and arms supplier. Qatar and Bahrain host large American bases, but some countries are examining alternatives. The "Mecca Agreement" – a defense pact signed last week by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan – is seen as a signal to Washington. A senior European source said that the three countries are trying to diversify their security partnerships. A Western diplomat cautioned, noting that even before the war, American forces were not welcomed with enthusiasm, but now their very necessity is in question. The White House rejected the claims and said that Trump has exceptional relations with the Gulf partners. It was also noted that Oman opposed the war from its outset, while Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain supported it at certain stages. A European source said that initially in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi it was assessed that a quick victory over Iran would serve their interests, but the approach changed towards the April round of talks when they realized the regime would not fall. Bader Al-Saif, a lecturer at Kuwait University, said that Trump's inconsistency has raised concern.