National Interest | Eric Alter
The Gulf states, following the commencement of the Iran War in late February and 40 days of airstrikes across six countries, no longer believe they have a choice other than to develop strategic autonomy for their own defense. Saudi Arabia and the UAE launched offensive operations against Iranian positions and allied militias, permanently altering their claims to neutrality. Proposals for US military withdrawal, contingent on Iranian nuclear constraints and proxy curbs, are critiqued as leaving the region more exposed, with the JCPOA years demonstrating Iran's expanded influence as external pressure decreased. The article highlights the need for Gulf states to build significant military capacity, particularly addressing drone defense gaps exposed in 2019 and confirmed in 2026, requiring shared sensors and unified intercept protocols. Securing the Strait of Hormuz also demands a joint monitoring system with set response thresholds. While the Gulf Cooperation Council lacks coordination for such challenges, accelerating bilateral operational partnerships among willing states are emerging. Genuine strategic autonomy requires an institutional framework capable of assessing verified operational capacity, similar to NATO's development, to ensure a stronger negotiating position with Iran.
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