Gulf Allies Debate U.S. Bases as 5 States Sour on Trump's Iran Diplomacy

3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Aug 15

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain are increasingly frustrated with Trump’s handling of Iran and have begun debating whether continuing to host major U.S. military bases still serves their interests.
That anger has grown after months of war, repeated Iranian missile and drone attacks, and Trump’s threats and reversals, which Gulf officials and analysts describe as erratic and unable to deliver a durable peace.
Saudi Arabia, under pressure from strikes on energy infrastructure and disruption to Red Sea shipping, has also watched Iran keep the Strait of Hormuz closed, deepening doubts that Washington can restore regional stability.
A defense pact signed last week by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan is being read by European officials as a signal that Gulf states are trying to diversify security ties, even though they still depend on U.S. arms, intelligence and protection.
The immediate risk is more economic than strategic rupture: autumn conferences, festivals and Formula One events across the Gulf are in doubt if the conflict drags on, while officials say no viable replacement for the U.S. alliance exists yet.