"For decades, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Oman have allowed US military bases, infrastructure or access on their soil, and have been among the largest buyers of American weapons and technology. In return, the US has stood as the Gulf's closest and most significant military partner and protector."
"Now many of these countries have growing concerns over the relationship, analysts say, as they are pulled deeper into a war that they did not start and had diplomatically tried to prevent. While the Gulf expected to be caught in the backlash, the scale of Iran's campaign of revenge has left many shocked."
"Gulf states had assured Tehran that none of their bases would be used for attacks but that has not stopped Iran launching thousands of drones and missiles targeting airports, military bases, oil refineries, ports, hotels and office buildings."
Gulf states including Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Oman have maintained long-standing military partnerships with the United States, hosting American bases and purchasing substantial quantities of weapons and technology. These countries expected potential backlash from regional conflicts but were shocked by the scale of Iran's retaliatory campaign, which targeted airports, military bases, oil refineries, ports, and civilian infrastructure with thousands of drones and missiles. Despite assurances to Tehran that their bases would not be used for attacks, Iran proceeded with extensive strikes. President Trump expressed surprise at Iran targeting these allied nations, calling them terrific countries that were shot at unnecessarily. The attacks have prompted growing concerns among Gulf states about their relationship with the US, as they find themselves drawn into conflicts they did not initiate and had attempted to prevent diplomatically.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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