Antony Blinken, former U.S. Secretary of State, addressed the current state of the war between the United States and Iran and its impacts on the Gulf states. He noted that these countries are now seeking dialogue with Iran and aiming to reach an agreement.
Changing Security Calculations in Gulf Arab States
Blinken stated, "Gulf states have realized that the United States cannot necessarily defend them," and for this reason, they have turned to dialogue and agreement with Tehran. He emphasized that this shift in the approach of Arab countries is due to recent war experiences and their consequences on the security and economy of these nations.
He further pointed out that to break the current deadlock, a diplomatic agreement with Iran must be reached, which may involve granting some concessions to Tehran by the United States. Blinken also called for an immediate end to the war against Iran and emphasized that military action is not an appropriate solution to counter Tehran.
The Costs of War for Gulf Arab States
The war against Iran has imposed significant costs on Gulf Arab states. According to reports, the Strait of Hormuz, as one of the key energy transport routes, has faced a severe reduction in ship traffic due to this war. This situation has also led to increased transportation and insurance costs.
For example, Qatar has been severely affected, with its LNG exports dropping by 96% in the first six months of the war. Additionally, Saudi Arabia is facing a reduction in oil production from 11 million barrels per day to 6 to 6.2 million barrels per day.
These developments indicate that Gulf Arab states are seeking ways to improve their economic and security situations due to the heavy costs of war and are attempting to engage in dialogue with Iran. Furthermore, some Arab officials are looking to establish a regional security framework involving Iran, which could contribute to stability and security in the region.
It is noteworthy that this shift in the approach of Gulf Arab states towards Iran occurs while they still maintain extensive relations with the United States. However, the recent war and its consequences have complicated the security calculations of these countries and prompted them to consider new solutions for regional security.
Read more: Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and UN warning about the humanitarian crisis in Yemen · Khalid Al-Jaber: China does not need to replace the U.S. military presence in the Gulf
