Gulf States Question Value of U.S. Military Bases Amid Iran Frustration

Growing frustration among U.S. allies in the Persian Gulf is prompting unprecedented questions about the value of hosting American military bases, as governments blame the Trump administration for failing to diplomatically resolve the ongoing war with Iran. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain are united in their discontent, according to multiple officials, with some now considering whether the American security presence provides net benefits or exposes them to greater risk.

The anger stems from President Donald Trump’s inability to secure a peace deal with Tehran after more than five months of conflict, despite repeated public claims that an agreement was near. Officials state the war, launched by the U.S. and Israel in February 2026, has not weakened Iran’s government as initially hoped and has instead severely disrupted critical energy shipping lanes, damaging Gulf economies. “Trump started this war, and we are paying the price,” said one Gulf official, describing sentiment toward Washington as at its highest point since the conflict began.

For decades, Gulf states have hosted key U.S. military installations, relying on Washington for protection,...