Saudi, UAE, other Gulf states opposed Iran war. Now they only want one thing

(File photo/AP)

• Gulf nations now urge US to continue strikes against Iran
• Iran strikes push Gulf from diplomacy to military backing
• Oman urges diplomacy; UAE supports prolonged military action

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Gulf countries had initially cautioned US against going to war with Iran. They did not want an escalatory military conflict in their own backyard. Less than a month into the war, they are gradually, and quietly, urging Washington to continue military strikes, according to a report in The Times of Israel.

The shift in stance signals a growing consensus among key Gulf nations such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar. They want Iran’s military capabilities to be decisively weakened to prevent it from posing a long-term threat.

While frustration remains over how the US and Israel are climbing up the escalatory ladder, officials told The Times of Israel that there is broad support for ensuring Iran emerges from the conflict with reduced military strength.

From Fear to Fortitude

Before the war began, Gulf states had opposed military action, fearing escalation and doubting whether strikes would effectively curb Iran’s regional influence. Diplomacy was widely seen as the safer path.

However, Iran’s retaliation, which included strikes targeting all six Gulf Cooperation Council countries, appears to have shifted that thinking. The attacks disrupted oil and gas production and impacted tourism, key pillars of Gulf economies.

Rather than pushing for a ceasefire, Iran’s actions have hardened attitudes in parts of the region.

“Ending the war with Iran still in possession of the tools it is currently using… would be a strategic disaster,” one official told The Times of Israel.

Striking a Discordant Note

However, not all countries are aligned. Oman has emerged as a notable exception, with its foreign minister calling for an immediate end to hostilities and a return to diplomacy.

Even among countries backing continued strikes, there are differences over how long the conflict should last and how far military action should go. The UAE is seen as the most supportive of an extended campaign, while others remain more cautious.

Some Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are also considering whether to join US and Israeli operations, according to the report.

Last week, Qatar was rattled after Iranian strikes on its energy installations crippled 17% of its LNG capacity. The strikes also prompted a flurry of calls from the Gulf nations directly to Washington, fearing further escalation.

Inflicting 'Generational Damage' to Iran

Officials quoted by Times of Israel broadly agree that the war is unlikely to topple Iran’s leadership but argue that degrading its missile and drone capabilities is essential.

One official said the objective should be to inflict “generational damage” on Iran’s military infrastructure, even if it retains the ability to rebuild over time.

At the same time, concerns remain about a prolonged conflict with diminishing returns and the risk of continued instability in the region.

The conflict is also prompting a reassessment of regional security strategies. One official indicated that Gulf nations may invest more heavily in air defence and anti-drone systems, anticipating that threats from Iran will persist.

There are also signs that some countries could diversify their security partnerships, reducing reliance on the United States.

Despite differences, officials said frustration in the region is largely directed at Iran for targeting Gulf countries, rather than at the US and Israel for launching the war.

However, Israel’s ongoing operations in Lebanon have drawn criticism, with concerns that civilian harm and regional instability could undermine broader support.