Iran War: Are Gulf Countries Thanking Israel?

Why It Matters

The dialogue reveals a cautious Gulf posture that could reshape security alliances and influence U.S. diplomatic leverage in the Iran‑Israel rivalry.

Key Takeaways

• Gulf states deny thanking Israel for Iran containment
• UAE hopes for Iranian moderation after Trump’s pressure
• Regional leaders fear escalation into war
• Iran’s stance remains unchanged despite diplomatic overtures
• Tensions highlight complex Gulf-Israel dynamics

Pulse Analysis

The Gulf’s relationship with Israel has evolved dramatically since the Abraham Accords, yet lingering mistrust remains. While some observers argue that Israel’s covert actions against Iranian proxies have earned quiet gratitude, officials like Anwar Gargash emphasize that any appreciation is outweighed by the fear of broader conflict. This nuanced stance reflects a broader regional calculation: balancing the strategic benefits of Israeli cooperation against the existential threat perceived from Tehran’s missile and proxy programs.

Gargash’s comments also illuminate the impact of U.S. policy under the Trump administration. Washington’s explicit demand for a political settlement with Iran raised expectations in Abu Dhabi that Tehran would back down, a hope that quickly evaporated as Tehran persisted in its nuclear and regional activities. The UAE’s disappointment signals that Gulf states are not merely passive recipients of U.S. pressure; they actively assess how American diplomatic cues translate into on‑the‑ground security outcomes, especially when those cues fail to produce the desired Iranian restraint.

Looking ahead, the Gulf’s cautious approach could drive a more pragmatic, albeit uneasy, engagement with Israel, particularly in intelligence sharing and counter‑terrorism. However, the specter of a direct confrontation between Israel and Iran remains a destabilizing factor that could draw Gulf nations into a broader conflict. Policymakers in Washington and Doha must therefore navigate a delicate balance—leveraging Israel’s capabilities while preventing an escalation that would jeopardize regional economic stability and global energy markets.

Original Description

Ethan Bronner, Israel bureau chief and senior editor at Bloomberg, asks whether Gulf countries are “quietly thanking” Israel for “taking care of the problem” Iran poses to the region. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic advisor to the president of the United Arab Emirates, responds, “Thanking is a big jump because I think we clearly don’t want to see a war in the region.” Gargash notes that they “were hoping that finally, with the Trump administration being very clear on what it expects in a political deal, that the Iranians will actually yield. . . . We were wrong.”

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