The report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) indicates that the excessive reliance of Gulf countries on U.S. military support and expensive weapon systems has created serious weaknesses in their defensive capabilities. This research explores various security and economic dimensions arising from the Iran-U.S. war and emphasizes the need to reconsider the defense structure of the region's countries.
Revising the Defense Structure
According to the report, Gulf countries, considering the economic damages caused by the Iran-U.S. war and existing doubts about the effectiveness of U.S. military bases against Iranian attacks, are compelled to reassess their multi-trillion-dollar defense structure. In the weeks leading up to the April 8 ceasefire, 12 regional countries faced 4,670 suicide drones and over 1,400 ballistic missiles from Iran, with nearly half of these attacks targeting the United Arab Emirates. Although most of these attacks were intercepted and repelled, estimates suggest that the damage to the region's energy infrastructure could reach up to $58 billion.
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Changing Attitudes Towards the United States
The report also notes a shift in public opinion in Gulf countries towards the United States. Given the military failures and insufficient protection against Iranian threats, the U.S. is gradually being perceived as a "strategic burden." Additionally, Iran will portray any reduction or complete withdrawal of U.S. forces from the region as a strategic success and a validation of its resilience, using this situation to challenge Gulf countries.
Despite the massive investments by regional countries in armaments, the research identifies several fundamental weaknesses, including excessive dependence on U.S.-made air and missile defense systems, failure to establish regional defense integration, and a lack of naval mine-clearing capabilities. This situation further underscores the necessity for a reevaluation of the defense and security strategies of Gulf countries.
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