Recent developments in the Persian Gulf clearly indicate profound changes in regional security equations following the joint war of the United States and Israel against Iran. This war has compelled the Arab capitals along the Persian Gulf to accept new realities in which historical assumptions about U.S. security commitments have come under severe scrutiny.
Impacts of the War on Regional Policies
More than seven months into this battle, Iran has consistently targeted the military facilities and bases of the opposing side with its military actions. This situation has led observers to conclude that the end of the crisis will not mean immediate peace nor a complete separation of these governments from the United States. In fact, what is taking shape is a complex transitional period during which Arab countries are reducing their dependence on the Pentagon while simultaneously enhancing their indigenous military capabilities.
Read more: Examining the Approaches of Persian Gulf Countries Towards Iran
The Necessity of Diplomacy and Regional Collective Security
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, emphasized the need to establish a "regional collective security system" in his recent speech at the United Nations General Assembly and called for the use of diplomatic means to resolve the Persian Gulf crisis. Anwar Gargash, the diplomatic advisor to the President of the United Arab Emirates, also stressed the necessity of direct dialogue with Tehran. These developments reflect a deeper understanding of geopolitical realities, indicating that Arab countries can no longer exclude Iran from their security equations.
Mehran Kamrava, a professor of political science at Georgetown University in Qatar, pointed out that Western efforts to marginalize Iran have failed, and Arab countries must move towards strengthening independent defensive tools. This issue has become particularly evident following the Aramco attacks in 2019 and recent security crises in the region.
Ultimately, the current battle reminds the Gulf countries that their national security and economic development are interdependent, and these two areas cannot be viewed in isolation from each other. Disruptions in oil exports and security threats directly impact development programs such as Saudi Arabia's "Vision 2030." Therefore, the Gulf countries are striving to address these challenges by establishing new security arrangements.
Read more: Completion of the Security Plan for the Strait of Hormuz in the National Security Commission · Iran: Difficult Travels for Iranians Due to New U.S. Sanctions
