Trump Pushes Gulf States Toward Confrontation with Iran… Fears of Early U.S. Withdrawal After Igniting the War
U.S. reports speak of increasing pressure from Washington on Gulf states to join the conflict with Tehran amid warnings they could be left facing Iran directly if the Trump administration reduces its role.
NYN | Reports and Analyses
American reports have revealed growing pressure from United States on Gulf states to push them toward direct involvement in the ongoing war with Iran—a move raising concerns about the possibility of an early American withdrawal after expanding the scope of the confrontation in the region.
The U.S. magazine Responsible Statecraft reported that the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is intensifying efforts to persuade its Gulf allies to move from political and diplomatic support to actual participation in military operations against Iran.
U.S. Pressure to Expand Gulf Participation
The magazine quoted the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Security Council, Mike Waltz, as saying that Trump expects Gulf states to take steps beyond diplomatic moves within the United Nations in response to Iranian attacks targeting U.S. bases in the Gulf region.
Waltz indicated that Washington believes the next phase may require direct military participation from these countries in the confrontation with Tehran.
Criticism Over Saudi Arabia’s Non-Participation
In the same context, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham—known for his close ties to pro-Israel circles in Washington—criticized Saudi Arabia for not participating so far in the military operations, despite what he described as the significant support the kingdom receives from the United States.
Complex Gulf Calculations
According to the report, the decision by Gulf states to fully engage in the war against Iran will remain tied to developments on the military battlefield.
If Iran appears capable of holding its ground and demonstrating strength in the confrontation, the incentive for these countries to enter the war will likely remain limited, given the significant security and economic risks involved.
However, if the balance shifts in favor of the United States and Israel, the likelihood of intervention by some Gulf states could increase—especially under mounting political and security pressure from Washington.
Fears of U.S. Abandonment
Although Gulf leaders understand that expanding the war against Iran could carry serious consequences for regional security, they are facing increasing pressure from the Trump administration, which—according to the report—is using the leverage of security guarantees and the threat of leaving allies to face Iran alone if they do not join the confrontation.
This dynamic has raised concerns among observers about a scenario in which Washington pushes its allies to enter the war before later reducing its own military presence, potentially leaving Gulf states in an open confrontation with Iran.
