Geopolitical games in the Middle East have entered a new and worrying phase. The ceasefire announced between the United States and Iran has become, for the Gulf countries, not only a period of peace but also the beginning of a “bitter truths” era. Zamin.uz presents an analysis of the new reality troubling the wealthy Arab states in the region.
Crisis of security guarantees
For years, megacities like Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh considered themselves safe zones, free from regional conflicts. However, the confrontation of the United States and Israel with Iran has shaken this confidence. As noted by the head of the Gulf Research Center, Abdulaziz Saghir, existing agreements with Washington can no longer serve as a sufficient shield for the Arab world. The vulnerability of oil fields, desalination facilities, and airports became clearly visible during the conflict.
Face-to-face with Iran: “Beaten but hardened” neighbor
Despite the declaration of peace, the Arab monarchies are haunted by one fear: if the United States withdraws from the region, they will be left alone with an angry and militarily tested Tehran. According to Bloomberg analysts, the idea of a “beaten but hardened Iran” is causing real panic in the Gulf capitals.
Strait of Hormuz: risk of economic dependence
The fate of the Strait of Hormuz, the “keystone” of the global economy, remains uncertain. The current “toll system” imposed by Iran for ship passage could transfer control over the Gulf countries’ export revenues to Tehran. According to Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs official Majid Al-Ansari, this war has shattered all axioms regarding regional security.
“Bitter” morning after peace
Even several hours after the official announcement of peace, drone attacks in the skies of Bahrain and Kuwait did not stop. The Kuwaiti army reported intercepting 28 unmanned aerial vehicles and warned about the “intense wave of Iranian attacks.” This indicates how fragile the achieved peace really is.
Breakdown of trust and future competition
Arab leaders are dissatisfied that the Trump administration started the war without consulting them. “We warned about the consequences of this war, but they did not listen to us,” experts say. Now Saudi Arabia and the UAE will have to reconsider not only their relations with Iran but also their internal rivalries.
One thing is clear: the Gulf region will never be the same. Restoring broken trust and creating a new security system may take decades.
Dear readers, do you think the Gulf countries can ensure their security without the United States? Do you believe in the stability of peace in the region?
