Gulf allies grow frustrated with Trump over prolonged Iran war: Washington Post

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf allies have grown increasingly frustrated with the Trump administration as the war with Iran drags on without a diplomatic resolution, The Washington Post reported. A Gulf official told the newspaper that anger toward the United States has reached its highest point since the conflict began in February. "Trump started this war, and we are paying the price," the official said on condition of anonymity.

Why are Gulf allies frustrated with Trump over the Iran war?

Gulf officials say frustration stems from the US and Israeli attack on Iran that began on February 28, which has disrupted regional stability through continued missile and drone strikes by Tehran and its proxies. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain have become increasingly critical of the administration as the conflict continues without a clear resolution, according to the report.

A Western diplomat in the region cautioned that the developments do not represent a major shift in sentiment. The diplomat noted that American forces were not "enthusiastically" welcomed even before the war began. "It was more something that was a necessary evil," the diplomat said. "Now, the necessity of it is being put in question."

How has the White House responded to the criticism?

The frustration comes as President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened further action against Iran before backing away from those threats, citing progress in diplomatic talks. Washington and Tehran have yet to reach a final agreement to end the conflict. A White House official rejected the assessment of growing Gulf anger, saying Trump "has extraordinary relationships with all of our Gulf partners" and that Washington has stayed in regular contact with regional allies since the conflict began.

Why do Gulf states still depend on the US despite the tension?

Gulf states have taken differing positions on the war. Some initially viewed the prospect of a quick US victory over Iran as potentially beneficial, but concerns grew as the conflict continued without resolution. Despite the strains, Gulf states remain dependent on Washington for security support, including military equipment, ammunition and intelligence.

Iran and Oman have spent the past three months negotiating safe shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has said the full restoration of security and normal commercial shipping depends on an end to US military actions. Washington's Gulf allies now face a dilemma: they remain reliant on US security support while increasingly questioning whether its approach to the Iran war is stabilizing the region or prolonging the instability.