Gulf states fear renewed US strikes on Iran could expose them to retaliation

Gulf countries are increasingly anxious over the threat of renewed conflict between the United States and Iran, fearing that American military installations intended to defend the region could instead leave host nations exposed to devastating retaliation, according to Reuters.

Apprehension peaked following statements by US President Donald Trump indicating he could order another military campaign against Tehran after upcoming midterm elections. European officials revealed that Washington has gathered sufficient military resources across the region to launch strikes with little warning, potentially within days.

Discussions among diplomats and defense leaders at the Manama Dialogue security summit in Bahrain highlighted deep unease over Washington’s unilateral decision-making. Ministers and regional representatives expressed concern that the Gulf states have virtually no control over whether a conflict begins, despite having to shoulder the fallout. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty warned attendees that fresh warfare would yield nothing constructive and cause far worse destruction than earlier clashes.

Should the US move forward, Western officials anticipate strikes targeting Iranian nuclear infrastructure, such as research facilities and a location known as Pickaxe Mountain. However, analysts believe such action would merely degrade rather than eliminate Tehran's nuclear capabilities.

In return, Iranian authorities have compiled retaliation plans encompassing undersea communications, military positions, and civilian targets. Facilities such as energy networks and water desalination plants across Gulf cities could become primary targets. Analysts note that Tehran is not attempting to overpower the US armed forces directly, but rather to pursue a war of attrition aimed at making the American military footprint financially and strategically unsustainable while proving that US bases cannot shield host governments.

Bahrain faces particular vulnerability as the host of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters. The facility has previously suffered missile damage nearby, and historical tensions complicate the security landscape. Hardline figures in Tehran have occasionally revived dormant historical claims describing Bahrain as an Iranian province, compounding fears that retaliatory strikes could destabilize the island nation.

A White House representative maintained that all options are open and asserted that Trump retains complete control over subsequent moves. Meanwhile, Gulf governments are pursuing urgent diplomatic channels to head off hostilities. Officials from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan recently conducted talks in Tehran to halt further military escalation, and Qatari diplomats have engaged both sides in recent days.

United Arab Emirates representative Anwar Gargash noted during the Bahrain conference that while his country remains prepared for the worst outcomes, the region is actively seeking a peaceful resolution to prevent another cycle of violence.