Several Gulf allies have expressed frustration with the United States over the ongoing conflict with Iran, saying they were not given enough warning before attacks that triggered retaliatory strikes across the region.
Officials from two Gulf countries said their governments were disappointed that Washington did not inform them in advance about the Feb 28 strikes on Iran carried out by the US and Israel. They also said their earlier warnings that the conflict could destabilise the entire region were ignored.
According to the officials, the Iranian retaliation with drones and missiles has left Gulf countries exposed and struggling to defend themselves.
One official said many in the region believe the US military has focused mainly on protecting Israel and American troops, while Gulf states were left to defend their own territories. He added that interceptor missile stocks in his country were running low.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity as the matter involves sensitive diplomatic discussions.
Public responses from governments of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have remained limited, though some public figures close to those governments have criticised Washington’s approach.
Former Saudi intelligence chief Prince Turki al-Faisal told CNN that the conflict appeared to be driven largely by Israel, suggesting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu persuaded US President Donald Trump to support the war.
The conflict has widened across the Gulf region, which lies within range of Iran’s short-range missiles and hosts major oil facilities, tourist centres and US military bases.
According to an Associated Press tally based on official statements, Iran has fired at least 380 missiles and more than 1,480 drones targeting five Arab Gulf countries since the start of the war. Local officials say at least 13 people have been killed.
Six US soldiers were also killed in Kuwait on Sunday when an Iranian drone struck an operations centre at a civilian port.
US defence officials have acknowledged difficulties in intercepting large numbers of Iranian drones, particularly the Shahed models, during briefings with lawmakers this week.
Analysts say Washington may have underestimated the risks faced by Gulf allies, believing Iran would mainly target US forces and Israel.
Experts also warn that Gulf countries are concerned about the economic damage and instability caused by the war, as well as uncertainty over how long the conflict could continue.