Where Do Gulf States Stand on the Iran War?

Why It Matters

The split among Gulf states determines whether regional stability will hinge on U.S. military leadership or a negotiated settlement, directly affecting global oil flows and geopolitical risk.

Key Takeaways

• Oman mediates, condemns US/Israeli aggression, seeks diplomatic talks.
• UAE backs US, Israel, pushes for force to reopen Strait.
• Saudi Arabia balances retaliation with diplomatic outreach, coordinates regionally.
• Gulf monarchies largely trust US to resolve conflict, now tested.
• Each Gulf state follows distinct foreign policy amid Iran war.

Summary

The video examines how the six Gulf monarchies are positioning themselves amid the escalating US‑Israeli conflict with Iran. It frames their stances as a spectrum, from Oman’s quiet mediation to the United Arab Emirates’ overt security coordination with Washington and Israel, while Saudi Arabia juggles retaliation and diplomatic outreach.

Oman has consistently urged dialogue, condemning what it calls unlawful US‑Israeli aggression and publishing an op‑ed in The Economist. The UAE, one of the two Gulf states that normalized ties with Israel, has asked the UN for a resolution to sanction force to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and signaled willingness to act militarily if others lead. Saudi Arabia, despite suffering Iranian drone and missile strikes, continues large oil exports and has convened foreign ministers from Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey to explore a collective diplomatic off‑ramp.

Notable moments include Omani Foreign Minister Badri Bukhari’s op‑ed, Emirati officials’ UN appeal for a Strait‑of‑Hormuz resolution, and Saudi statements threatening consequences while simultaneously hosting regional talks. These examples illustrate each kingdom’s distinct calculus and the broader belief that the United States remains the ultimate arbiter of the crisis.

The divergent approaches underscore the fragility of Gulf security architecture. As the United States’ willingness to intervene is tested, the region’s ability to manage escalation—or to pivot toward a diplomatic solution—will shape global energy markets and the geopolitical balance in the Middle East.

Original Description

Since the Iran war began, there's been a lot of focus on how exactly the Gulf states will respond. But these states aren't a monolith: each one is pursuing a distinct foreign policy and is working towards distinct goals. Andrew Leber breaks it all down.

Like and subscribe to our channel: https://bit.ly/38sljlH

The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace generates strategic ideas and independent analysis, supports diplomacy, and trains the next generation of international scholar-practitioners to help countries and institutions take on the most difficult global problems and advance peace.

Visit our website: https://carnegieendowment.org/

Follow us on X: https://x.com/CarnegieEndow

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carnegieendow/