Gulf States Resist New War With Iran
Arab Gulf states are lobbying against a renewed U.S. or Israeli military campaign against Iran, expecting further attacks if one occurs.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Middle East
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Arab Gulf states do not want a new U.S. or Israeli war with Iran, having lobbied Washington against the earlier conflict. They expect to be targeted by Iran again if fighting resumes.
Why it matters
Gulf states host or are linked to American security arrangements, which is why Iran has targeted them. Their opposition to renewed fighting shows how regional security ties tie civilian infrastructure to broader conflicts.
The report draws on regional diplomatic positions rather than measured figures, with Gulf states telling Iran they were not interested in backing the U.S. or Israel in the earlier war. Whether a new strike will occur remains unknown.
The players
Iran
Iran is the Middle Eastern country whose counterattacks have targeted Gulf states in response to the U.S.-underpinned regional security architecture.
Gulf states
The Gulf states are Arab monarchies bordering the Persian Gulf that are part of a regional security architecture underpinned by the United States.
The details
Gulf states lobbied against the war with Iran before it began earlier this year, and told Iran they would not support the U.S. or Israel in it. Iranian counterattacks then targeted Gulf states' civilian infrastructure and military presence. Not all Gulf countries host American bases, but most have agreements allowing U.S. troop stations.
Timeline
Earlier this year: war with Iran began and Gulf states were targeted by Iranian counterattacks.
Coming period: possible new U.S. or Israeli strikes on Iran could prompt renewed Iranian attacks on Gulf states.
Regional Context
Gulf states sit inside a security architecture built on U.S. troop agreements, which is precisely why Iran has targeted them. Discussions about a security framework independent of Washington are now under way in the region.
Travelers considering Gulf destinations should monitor the security situation, since Gulf states expect to be targeted again if a new war occurs. Flight routes and travel advisories may change quickly if fighting resumes.
The takeaway
Regional security ties that protect Gulf states can also make them targets, and their resistance to renewed conflict signals how much they want to avoid being caught between Washington and Tehran.
Further reading
Explore more on Middle East travel and regional developments.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NPR.
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