Gulf Allies Scrutinized as Iranian Strikes Escalate Across the Region

As the US-Israeli conflict with Iran intensifies, Gulf nations are increasingly targeted by Iranian strikes. Friday saw Saudi Arabia intercept multiple drones, while Kuwait's Mina al-Ahmadi refinery faced early-morning drone attacks, resulting in operational shutdowns. Despite assurances of sufficient defenses, Gulf countries possess various military partnerships that could offer crucial assistance as regional tensions mount.

Gulf Countries' Military Partnerships Explored

A closer examination reveals a complex web of military partnerships and defense agreements maintained by Gulf countries with global powers and regional allies. These range from hosting major strategic bases to formal mutual defense pacts and substantial arms acquisition deals, each playing a role in the region's security architecture.

Qatar

Qatar is home to Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military installation in the region, serving as the forward headquarters for US Central Command. This 24-hectare facility near Doha hosts US, UK Royal Air Force, and Qatari forces. Qatar is the second-largest Foreign Military Sales (FMS) partner to the US, having recently acquired advanced defense systems like the Patriot and National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System, early warning systems, radars, and attack helicopters.

Following an Israeli strike on Doha in September 2025 targeting Hamas leaders, US President Donald Trump issued an executive order affirming that an armed attack on Qatar's territory or critical infrastructure would be considered a threat to US peace and security. This declaration was reinforced after Iran retaliated for an Israeli strike on the South Pars gasfield by attacking Qatar's Ras Laffan plant, prompting a strong warning from Trump against further Iranian aggression towards Qatar.

Beyond its US ties, Qatar maintains a Turkish military base under defense cooperation agreements and has strengthened partnerships with the United Kingdom and France. Earlier this month, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced four additional Typhoon fighter jets would be sent to Qatar to bolster its defense. The UK has also partially relented on its stance, allowing the US to use UK bases for "defensive" strikes on Iranian capabilities, though Starmer has stated the UK will not directly intervene in the war.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia hosts US military assets and personnel at Prince Sultan Air Base (PSAB) near Al Kharj and is the largest Foreign Military Sales (FMS) partner of the US. While a formal mutual-defense treaty similar to NATO's Article 5 does not exist, Riyadh and Washington maintain significant defense cooperation agreements.

A key development occurred in September 2025 when Saudi Arabia signed a formal mutual defense pact with nuclear-armed Pakistan, extending a decades-long security partnership. Approximately 1,500 to 2,000 Pakistani troops are stationed in Saudi Arabia. On March 3, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar personally reminded Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi of Pakistan's defense obligations, stating, "We have a defense pact with Saudi Arabia, and the whole world knows about it."

United Arab Emirates

The UAE's Al-Dhafra airbase hosts US assets and personnel, including F-22 Raptor stealth fighters, surveillance planes, drones, and AWACS. The US recently approved an $8.4 billion arms deal for the UAE, encompassing drones, missiles, radar systems, and F-16 aircraft.

The UAE has also bolstered its military partnership with India through the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, re-affirmed in January. Established in 2017, this bilateral agreement focuses on defense cooperation, energy security, and technology exchange, though it does not include mutual defense commitments.

Oman

The US holds long-term access agreements for key air and naval facilities in Oman, including the Port of Duqm and Port of Salalah, both of which have been subjected to Iranian strikes over the past three weeks. The UK and Oman also maintain a defense cooperation agreement and conduct regular joint exercises. Pakistan and Oman share military ties through regular joint naval exercises, but these do not constitute mutual defense commitments.

Bahrain

Bahrain hosts the US Navy's Fifth Fleet at Naval Support Activity (NSA), which provides security for naval operations in the region. Bahrain and the UK also have a comprehensive security pact, with UK Prime Minister Starmer confirming earlier this month that the UK would send aircraft to bolster Bahrain's security.

Kuwait

Kuwait hosts Camp Arifjan, a major US Army installation that functions as the primary logistics, supply, and command hub for US military operations across the Middle East. The US recently announced an $8 billion arms deal with Kuwait for air and missile defense radar systems. In 2023, Kuwait signed an agreement on military cooperation with Pakistan, focusing on joint training and military exercises, though these are not mutual defense agreements.

What could these partners be doing to better assist Gulf countries?

Experts suggest that military allies of Gulf nations could provide naval escorts for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which one-fifth of the world's oil and gas supplies are shipped. On March 2, Ebrahim Jabari, a senior adviser to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), announced that the Strait of Hormuz was "closed," contributing to a surge in oil prices above $100 a barrel.

While some Indian, Pakistani, and Chinese-flagged ships have individually negotiated safe passage with Iran, the possibility of neutral naval escorts for all tankers is being considered. David Roberts, a senior academic at Kings College London, noted that such a gambit might be plausible with Iran's acquiescence, especially with concerted pressure from China, Pakistan, and India. However, he cautioned that Iran would be reluctant to relinquish this pressure point.

Roberts added that European countries are "stretched thinly" to offer significant military support in the Strait of Hormuz. He suggested the UK might send "another plane or two" to Qatar but highlighted the global scarcity of munitions for missile defense, a critical need for Gulf states. He concluded that while Gulf states clearly require support, the nature and extent of what can be offered by allies remain unclear.

Key Takeaways

  • Iranian strikes on Gulf countries are escalating amid the intensifying US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
  • Recent incidents include drone attacks on Saudi Arabia and Kuwait's Mina al-Ahmadi refinery.
  • Gulf nations rely on diverse military partnerships, including significant US military presence in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
  • Qatar benefits from robust US backing, with President Trump declaring an attack on Qatar a threat to US peace and security.
  • Saudi Arabia has a formal mutual defense pact with Pakistan, which has publicly reiterated its obligations to Riyadh.
  • The Strait of Hormuz was declared "closed" by Iran, severely impacting global oil and gas shipping and driving up prices.
  • Allies are exploring options like naval escorts, but resource constraints and Iranian reluctance complicate effective assistance efforts.

Olley News Insight: The ongoing escalation highlights the complex web of alliances and vulnerabilities in the Middle East. While Gulf nations have invested heavily in defense, the current conflict tests the true extent and readiness of their international partners to intervene beyond existing agreements, particularly concerning critical energy infrastructure and shipping lanes. The rhetoric from major powers like the US underscores the high stakes involved for global energy security.