Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (archive photo).Image: keystone
The USA wants to enforce a new agreement with Tehran after the war with Iran. But Washington’s allies in the Gulf fear that the deal could strengthen Iran and weaken their own security.
June 24, 2026, 8:19 p.mJune 24, 2026, 8:19 p.m
Donald Trump promised the Gulf states protection last May. “We will protect this country,” said the US President in Doha. Now this very promise is at the center of growing doubts.
How CNN reports, there is growing concern in the capitals of the Arab Gulf states that the USA’s new Iran agreement could become a security policy setback for them. An expert from the International Institute for Strategic Studies speaks to CNN of a “catastrophic turning point” for the regional security order.
“A bad deal is better than war”
The Gulf states did support the ceasefire agreement between the USA and Iran, IISS expert Hasan Alhasan told CNN. From their point of view, however, a bad deal is still better than war.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio therefore traveled to the region. In the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait, he should convince allies that US security commitments still apply. Rubio said, according to CNN, that Washington wants to hear the partners’ assessments and incorporate them into decisions.
Iran should be given a role in the Strait of Hormuz
The Gulf states’ skepticism has several reasons. According to CNN, one point of the agreement is particularly sensitive: Iran, together with Oman, is to be given a formal role in monitoring commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. This strait is central for the Gulf states because a large portion of their energy exports pass through it.
From the perspective of many Gulf governments, this means that Iran, of all places, would gain influence on one of the region’s most important trade and export routes.
In addition, the agreement does not appear to address key security concerns of the Gulf states. Iran’s missile program and network of allied militias in the region remain largely unresolved, according to CNN. Many Gulf states view these points in particular as a more immediate risk than the Iranian nuclear program.
Who will pay for Iran’s reconstruction?
A planned reconstruction fund for Iran worth $300 billion is also causing irritation. Trump also earmarked money from the Gulf states for this, writes CNN. But so far there is little evidence that the region’s governments have actually committed.
Saudi Arabia therefore stated that it did not know any details. Qatar expressed interest but did not formally participate. Rubio said in Abu Dhabi that he would not ask for any financial commitments to the fund during his trip. That is still “a long way away”.
The Gulf states are therefore in a difficult situation. On the one hand, the USA remains its most important security partner. On the other hand, they are increasingly doubting whether Washington is really prepared to guarantee their security in an emergency.
Look for alternatives
According to CNN, some Gulf states are already thinking about reducing their military dependence on the US. Turkey is mentioned as a possible additional arms partner.
At the same time, there is a growing willingness in the region to seek a long-term form of understanding with Iran. According to CNN, among other things, a regional non-aggression pact is being discussed. However, it remains to be seen whether Tehran would adhere to this.
Experts warn that diplomacy alone will hardly bring the Gulf states the security they desire. They would have to strengthen their own deterrence capabilities, better coordinate their defenses and become more resilient to attacks.
The change shows that the Gulf states are not only rethinking Iran, but also their decades-long relationship with the USA. Confidence in Washington as a reliable strategic protector has been damaged. (mke)