Saudi official reportedly has accused the United States of abandoning its Gulf allies. The official claimed that America has redirected its defense resources to protect Israel, leaving Gulf nations—many of which host major US military bases—vulnerable to Iranian missiles and drones.
This comment emerges against the backdrop of escalating conflict in the Middle East. Recent joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran have triggered widespread Iranian retaliation, with ballistic missiles and drones targeting US bases and civilian sites across the region.
The Context of Rising Tensions
The ongoing US-Israel operation against Iran, which began recently, has expanded dramatically. Reports indicate strikes on Iranian leadership, military sites, and infrastructure, including the reported killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones not only at Israel but also at Gulf Arab states hosting American forces.
Countries like the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia have reported intercepting numerous incoming threats. The UAE alone claimed to have dealt with over 165 ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and hundreds of drones. Civilian infrastructure, including airports, hotels, and ports, has also been hit in several locations, shattering the long-held perception of Gulf states as stable safe havens.
Gulf nations have strongly condemned these Iranian actions as violations of sovereignty. Saudi Arabia expressed full solidarity with affected “brotherly countries” and warned of grave consequences, while reserving the right to self-defense. Similar statements came from the UAE, Qatar, Jordan, and others, with some indicating readiness to respond.