Following the US-Israel war on Iran, which began on February 28, 2026, Gulf countries are likely to accelerate efforts to diversify their security alliances. Analysts suggest that this shift is driven by the lasting impacts of the conflict and the need for self-reliance in regional security. As the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations explore new partnerships, the move reflects a significant change in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.
Impact of the US-Israel War on Gulf Security
The conflict has prompted Gulf nations to reconsider their security strategies. Analysts indicate that the Iranian attacks during the war, which targeted military bases and civilian sites in Gulf countries, have heightened concerns about regional stability. As Anna Jacobs Khalaf from the Arab Gulf States Institute noted, the focus for countries like Saudi Arabia is on achieving a balance of power in the region.
“The Iran war is making some Gulf states question the value of the US as a security guarantor,” Jacobs Khalaf stated. This sentiment is echoed by Annelle Sheline from the Quincy Institute, who emphasized the need for GCC countries to deepen ties with countries like China, Turkiye, and various European nations.
Shifts in Security Alliances and Domestic Capabilities
Even before the conflict, Saudi Arabia had taken steps to diversify its defense partnerships, such as signing a defense pact with Pakistan. This alliance may expand as Gulf states continue to explore additional security arrangements. Additionally, countries in the region have been purchasing defense systems from European nations while maintaining friendly relations with Russia and China.
