Key facts
- Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari stated that the Iran war shows Gulf states cannot rely solely on the US for security.
- He emphasized that international forces and US alliances are important but not enough.
- Ansari called for self-sufficiency in security as the only way forward for the Gulf region.
- The remarks were made at the Hili Forum in Abu Dhabi.
- Gulf states are increasingly exploring diverse security partnerships beyond their traditional reliance on the US.
Majed al-Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar's Foreign Ministry, stated that the ongoing conflict involving Iran has underscored the limitations of relying exclusively on the United States and other international alliances for regional security. Speaking at the Hili Forum in Abu Dhabi, Ansari emphasized that while strategic partnerships with the US are significant, they are insufficient to guarantee the security of the Gulf states. He advocated for self-sufficiency in security as the essential path forward.
The remarks reflect a broader reassessment within Gulf nations regarding their foreign policy assumptions, particularly the long-held belief that a close strategic partnership with the US ensures regional stability. This shift is partly fueled by growing frustration among several Gulf states with the Trump administration's approach to the Iran conflict, with some officials reportedly expressing concern over inconsistent statements and the economic and security costs associated with the war. The presence of large US military facilities in the region, once viewed primarily as a deterrent, is now being scrutinized as potential targets during conflict.
Furthermore, the economic implications of the conflict, including disruptions to energy exports and commercial traffic through vital maritime routes like the Strait of Hormuz, add to the dilemma. Gulf economies are heavily dependent on uninterrupted energy exports, making the infrastructure and sea lanes crucial. The argument emerging in Gulf capitals is that over-reliance on a single external power creates strategic vulnerability. Consequently, Gulf states are increasingly exploring diversified security partnerships, such as the emerging Saudi Arabia-Türkiye-Pakistan mutual defense pact, and engaging in independent diplomatic efforts, as exemplified by Oman's approach to Iran.