-Friday World March 3, 2026
"May our friendship always remain
The escalating Iran-US-Israel conflict has taken a dramatic diplomatic turn, exposing deep cracks in longstanding alliances. A senior Saudi official, in an interview with Al Jazeera, launched a scathing accusation against the United States, claiming Washington has effectively abandoned its Gulf partners by shifting critical air defense assets—such as Patriot and THAAD systems—away from the region to bolster Israel's protection amid relentless Iranian missile and drone barrages.
→ The official stated bluntly: "The United States abandoned us and redirected its air defense to protect Israel. They left all the Gulf states that host American military bases at the mercy of Iranian strikes."
This revelation comes at a critical juncture, as Iran intensifies retaliatory attacks across the Gulf in response to ongoing US-Israeli airstrikes on its territory, including the reported killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian drones and missiles have targeted key sites, heightening fears of a broader regional conflagration.
→ Recent incidents include:
- A drone strike on the US Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, causing a limited fire and minor damage, with no injuries reported.
- A similar attack on the US Embassy in Kuwait, leading to its immediate closure.
- The US State Department issuing urgent evacuation warnings for American citizens in over a dozen Middle Eastern countries, including Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, and others, amid "ongoing regional tensions."
→ Gulf nations hosting major US military installations—such as Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, and facilities in the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait—now find themselves increasingly vulnerable. These bases have long served as launchpads for US operations, yet the redirection of American air defense resources has left them exposed to Iran's escalating salvos, which reportedly include over 165 ballistic and cruise missiles plus hundreds of drones in recent days.
→ Analysts point to a clear shift in US priorities under the current administration. Reports indicate the deployment of multiple THAAD batteries to Israel to counter Iranian threats, draining interceptor stockpiles that could otherwise support Gulf allies. This move follows Gulf states' reluctance to fully participate in strikes on Iran or share interceptors, further straining ties.
→ Broader implications are already visible:
- Oil market volatility: Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on energy infrastructure continue to drive crude prices higher, threatening global supply chains.
- Shifting Gulf strategies: Frustrated Gulf countries may accelerate diversification of security partnerships, potentially deepening ties with China, Russia, or even pursuing greater self-reliance in defense capabilities.
- Eroding US-Gulf trust: Decades of alliance built on mutual security and economic investment are under severe strain, with Gulf leaders questioning America's commitment when their own territories face direct threats.
This is no longer merely a bilateral Iran-US/Israel showdown—it has evolved into a test of regional coalitions and loyalties. The Saudi official's public rebuke signals a potential turning point: Gulf states may no longer view the US as an unconditional protector, forcing a reevaluation of alliances in a volatile Middle East.
One thing is clear—when allies feel forsaken, adversaries gain ground. The Gulf nations must now fortify their own defenses, as the American security umbrella appears increasingly focused on Israel alone.
Sajjadali Nayani ✍
Friday World March 3, 2026
