Gulf States Denounce U.S.-Israeli Strikes on Iran as Diplomatic Efforts Falter

Relations between the United States and its Gulf partners have reached a point of high tension following U.S.-led strikes against Iranian targets. Led by Saudi Arabia, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has openly opposed the military action, characterizing the conflict as a war driven by Israeli interests that undermines regional stability. Former Saudi intelligence chief Prince Turki al-Faisal emphasized this sentiment, stating the operations were planned without prior notice to Gulf allies despite their warnings regarding the risks of regional destabilization. The military escalation reportedly derailed a significant diplomatic breakthrough moderated by Oman. According to Omani officials, Iran had agreed to forgo the stockpiling of fissile material—a concession that would have exceeded the requirements of the original 2015 JCPOA. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi noted that a peace deal was within reach before the strikes began, later stating that the negotiations have been severely undermined by the recent kinetic actions. Beyond the diplomatic fallout, Gulf states are expressing growing resentment over what they perceive as a prioritization of Israeli defense over their own security. While the U.S. has invested heavily in shielding Israel, regional allies argue they have been left vulnerable to potential Iranian retaliation. Analysts suggest this perceived imbalance could weaken the U.S. security architecture in the Gulf, potentially driving regional partners to distance themselves from Washington's military objectives.