U.S. defense secretary says Gulf allies reconsidering stance after Iranian attacks
- 7 days ago
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RIYADH, March 6, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Gulf Arab allies are reconsidering their position on the conflict with Iran after coming under attack from Tehran.
Hegseth said the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have spent the past week defending their territories from Iranian strikes.
He said the countries could be more willing to support U.S. military operations, including granting access to bases that had previously been restricted.
“What Iran is doing by targeting allied countries that would otherwise want to stay out of this is actually pulling them into the American orbit,” Hegseth said on Thursday during a briefing with U.S. Central Command commander Adm. Brad Cooper.
Hegseth said some Gulf states have indicated a willingness to expand cooperation, including allowing additional basing access and overflight permissions.
He made similar remarks at a briefing on Wednesday, saying Gulf countries now view the situation as something that must be addressed.
Gulf states have condemned Iranian strikes and said they reserve the right to respond, but they have not indicated any formal change in their position regarding the conflict.
The United Arab Emirates said on March 3 that it had not taken any decision to alter its defensive posture following reports that Abu Dhabi might consider a more offensive approach.
Qatar has also condemned Iranian strikes, warning that there would be consequences, but said it is not part of the campaign against Iran.
