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Summary
Gulf Arab states, led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, issued strong and unified condemnations of Iranian missile and drone attacks across the region, labeling them a flagrant violation of sovereignty and a dangerous escalation. These governments affirmed their legal right to respond, with Saudi Arabia stating trust with Iran had "completely shattered" and expelling Iranian diplomats. The UAE president declared the nation was "no easy prey" and in a state of war. Regional discussions focused on formulating a response, with some officials suggesting the crisis would push Gulf states to strengthen security ties with Israel and the United States, while others privately urged diplomatic de-escalation.
The crisis spurred international diplomatic activity. The UN Security Council adopted a resolution condemning Iran's attacks, and Gulf states appealed to the UN Human Rights Council. U.S. President Donald Trump discussed securing the Strait of Hormuz and received calls from regional leaders, with reports indicating Saudi Arabia urged continued pressure on Iran while the UAE and Qatar sought limits on military strikes. European allies rejected a U.S. request for military assistance in the strait. Domestically, Dubai's ruler issued new laws on government service outsourcing and housing registration, while officials sought to reassure residents and expatriates of the city's safety.
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Gulf states condemn Iranian attacks and debate collective response
IRSeveral Gulf Arab states, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, and Kuwait, have publicly condemned what they call unprovoked Iranian missile and drone attacks. The UAE specifically condemned strikes on Oman's Salalah Port and on Turkey, calling them a dangerous escalation. These governments are calling for Iran to halt its attacks on neighboring countries to allow for diplomacy. Saudi Arabia has reportedly told Iran to stop the attacks and warned of possible retaliation if they continue.
Mar 13
Gulf Arab states have strongly condemned what they call Iran's 'heinous' and 'reckless' attacks across the region. They have stated they possess the legal right to respond to these actions and have warned they will retaliate if Iran continues its strikes. These governments are now weighing their response options, describing the situation as a 'dilemma'. They have publicly called on Iran to 'return to your senses', ramping up their criticism significantly and indicating their previous strategy of trying to contain the Iranian threat has now shattered.
Mar 6
USKhalaf Al Habtoor, a billionaire from the United Arab Emirates, publicly questioned President Donald Trump. He asked Trump who authorized turning the Gulf region into a war zone and dragging Gulf states into conflict with Iran. Trump, during a meeting with Chancellor Friedrich Merz, said Tehran had dragged Gulf states into the war and outlined a 'worst case' scenario with Iran. The criticism from the UAE comes as Trump attended a ceremony for six U.S. troops killed in Kuwait.
Mar 7
Several Gulf Arab states, including the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, have condemned recent Iranian attacks on their territories, calling them a flagrant violation of their sovereignty. They have stated their right to respond to these aggressions. In discussions with the United States, these states have argued that simply ending the current conflict is insufficient. They are pushing for a strategy that would degrade Iran's military capabilities, with some officials stating that holding Iran accountable is vital to deterring future aggression.
Mar 30
International solidarity and security coordination with Gulf states
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SAUAE and Qatar urge diplomatic off-ramp as Trump offers Hormuz help
Several Gulf states have strongly condemned what they call Iran's 'heinous' and 'indiscriminate' attacks, labeling them an 'aggression' and a violation of sovereignty. They have affirmed their legal right to respond to these actions. Other countries, including Turkey, Bangladesh, and France, have also criticized Iran's strategy, with France stating it is 'ready' to defend Gulf states. China has urged regional unity against external interference, while Iran has denied planning any military attack on Oman.
Mar 3
According to reports, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar privately urged their allies to pressure then-President Donald Trump to limit military strikes against Iran and find a diplomatic 'off-ramp' to de-escalate tensions. This occurred amid rising Middle East tensions, with Trump also holding a call with the UAE president on regional security. Separately, Saudi Arabia denied reports that it had lobbied Trump to attack Iran. Other reports, however, suggested Saudi Arabia and Israel had been pushing Trump for weeks to strike Iran before a specific military operation.
Mar 2
President Trump said help is 'on the way' for securing the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route, but called on other countries that benefit from it to contribute to its protection. He stated the U.S. does not get its oil from the region and that Iran wants to make a deal. European allies have rejected the request for military assistance, with one headline framing their refusal as 'لا للابتزاز' or 'no to blackmail.' Meanwhile, a report says Saudi Arabia's Mohammed bin Salman is speaking regularly with Trump and urging harsh action against Iran. British leader Keir Starmer also discussed the importance of reopening the strait with Trump.
Mar 17
Editorial and analysis on Gulf neutrality failure towards Iran
A group of Arab and Islamic countries, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates, have strongly condemned a series of attacks by Iran on Gulf states. Saudi Arabia stated that trust with Iran has been 'completely shattered' and warned that a military response is now an option. Senior officials from the UAE suggested these attacks will push Gulf states to strengthen their security ties with Israel and the United States. Egypt's president, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, reiterated his country's support for Gulf sovereignty in a call with Oman's leader.
Mar 20
President Trump threatened to 'completely destroy' Iran if it does not keep the Strait of Hormuz open for shipping. Iran denied his claim that talks were underway and said he had backed down from his own threat. Meanwhile, reports indicate Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is privately urging Trump to continue military pressure on Iran.
Mar 24
Regional and international calls for de-escalation and mediation
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Dubai and UAE announce new domestic laws on police and public safety
The ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, issued several new laws. One law regulates the outsourcing of government services, which includes provisions to boost the hiring of Emirati citizens. Another law requires all shared housing contracts in the city to be officially registered, with lawyers noting that violations could lead to large fines. Separately, following missile and drone attacks by Iran on Israel, officials in Dubai and the UAE have been emphasizing that the city is safe for residents and expatriates. The Indian consulate in Dubai also set up a 24-hour control room for its citizens due to the regional tensions.
Mar 15
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Iran protests to UN and urges Gulf states to shut US bases
Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain, have asked the UN Human Rights Council to condemn Iran's strikes, which they call an existential threat. Iran has protested to the UN Security Council over the US use of Gulf states' territory, and tensions are rising around the Strait of Hormuz. The UN has warned that closing the strait would worsen famine in several countries.
Mar 26
Saudi Arabia and Qatar expel Iranian diplomats amid rising tensions
Ukraine signs defense pacts with Gulf states amid broader outreach
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RUDiscussions on securing Strait of Hormuz and potential US action
Russia criticizes UNSC resolution on Bahrain and Middle East
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