Gulf frustration with Trump grows: 'We are paying the price'

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

Arab and Western officials told the Washington Post that frustration in 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 officials and a former American diplomat said some countries have begun discussing whether it makes sense to continue hosting large American military installations. A Gulf official said: "Trump started the war and we are paying the price," and anger toward the US is at its peak since February. Concern also focuses on how Trump manages the tension: he has repeatedly threatened Tehran and then backed down. Despite the frustration, 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 exploring alternatives. The "Mecca Agreement" – a defense agreement signed last week by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan – is seen as a signal to Washington. A senior European official said the three countries are trying to diversify their security partnerships. A Western diplomat cautioned that even before the war, American forces were not welcomed enthusiastically, but now their very necessity is in question. The White House dismissed the claims, saying Trump has exceptional relations with 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 official said that initially Riyadh and Abu Dhabi estimated that a quick victory over Iran would serve their interests, but the approach changed toward the April talks round when they realized the regime would not fall. Bader al-Saif, a lecturer at Kuwait University, said Trump's inconsistency has raised concern.