Gulf Nations Urge US To 'Neutralise' Iran As Hormuz Disruption Deepens: Report

Last Updated:March 17, 2026, 09:58 IST

Gulf nations urge the US to weaken Iran's threat to regional oil, fearing partial outcomes could leave Iran capable of targeting infrastructure.

West Asia Conflict: Gulf nations have reportedly asked the United States to ensure that its military campaign against Iran decisively weakens Tehran’s ability to threaten the region’s oil lifeline, even as they resist direct involvement in the conflict, Reuters reported.

According to the report citing sources, leaders in the Gulf did not initially call for war but now fear that a partial outcome could leave Iran capable of targeting critical energy infrastructure and shipping routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz- a key artery for global oil supplies.

Meanwhile, Washington wants Gulf states to join the war too. As per the report, US President Donald Trump wants to show regional backing for his campaign against Iran, which would bolster his international legitimacy and increase support at home.

Reportedly, Trump was warned that attacking Iran could trigger retaliation against US Gulf allies despite his claims on Monday that Tehran’s reaction came as a surprise. Pre-war intelligence assessments did not say that Iran’s response was “a guarantee, but it certainly was on the list of potential outcomes," Reuters reported citing a source.

Abdulaziz Sager, chairman of the Saudi-based Gulf Research Center said that there is a feeling across the Gulf that Iran has crossed every red line with every Gulf country.

“At first we defended them and opposed the war," he said, adding, “But once they began directing strikes at us, they became an enemy. There is no other way to classify them."

Despite growing frustration with Iran, Gulf countries remain cautious. Officials and diplomats told the news agency that unilateral military action by any single state is off the table due to fears of retaliation. Instead, any involvement would likely require a collective approach – something that has yet to materialise.

Regional sentiment has hardened following Iranian strikes on airports, oil facilities, ports and commercial hubs across Gulf countries including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman and the United Arab Emirates. These attacks, along with disruptions to shipping, have intensified concerns about long-term economic and security risks.

The attacks have reinforced Gulf fears that leaving Iran with any significant offensive weaponry or arms manufacturing capacity could embolden it to hold the region’s energy lifeline hostage whenever tensions rise.

As the war entered its third week, with US and Israeli airstrikes intensifying and Iran firing at US bases and civilian targets across the Gulf, a Gulf source said the prevailing mood among leaders was unmistakable: that Trump should comprehensively degrade Iran’s military capacity.

Of the Gulf countries, only the United Arab Emirates responded. It said that it “does not seek to be drawn into conflicts or escalation" but affirmed its right to “take all necessary measures" to safeguard its sovereignty, security and integrity, and ensure residents’ safety.

Sources in the region said unilateral military action by any Gulf state remained off the table because only collective intervention would avoid exposing individual countries to retaliation.

Over the years, Iran and its regional allies have been accused of attacks on Gulf energy installations, not least a 2019 strike on Saudi Arabia’s Abqaiq and Khurais oil facilities – for which Iran denied responsibility – that halved Saudi output and rattled energy markets.

For Gulf leaders, inaction is now the greater risk.

Analysts say that the region faces a difficult balancing act: confronting what they see as an immediate Iranian threat while avoiding being drawn into a broader war led by Washington and Jerusalem.

Experts warn that Iran’s demonstrated ability to disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz has fundamentally altered the region’s security landscape, raising the stakes not just for Gulf economies but for global energy markets.

Iran-US-Israel War

The conflict between Iran and Israel entered its 18th day on Tuesday, with both sides intensifying their rhetoric and military operations. US President Donald Trump on Monday reiterated his call on several countries to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while oil prices eased 1% even as US allies appear reluctant on Trump’s offer.

Drone strikes were reported near Dubai airport on Monday, which caused flight disruptions and diversions. Meanwhile, Iranian media reported multiple explosions in Tehran as the fighting escalated the same day.

News world Gulf Nations Urge US To 'Neutralise' Iran As Hormuz Disruption Deepens: Report

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