Gulf Allies Urge Trump to Continue Iran Military Campaign Until Leadership Changes
Saudi Arabia, UAE and other Gulf states are privately pressing President Trump to maintain military operations against Iran until significant political changes occur in Tehran.
Gulf allies of the United States are urging President Donald Trump to continue the military campaign against Iran, arguing that a monthlong bombing offensive has not sufficiently weakened Tehran's government, according to U.S., Gulf and Israeli officials.
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are leading efforts to convince the White House that the current moment presents an opportunity to force major changes in Iran's leadership or behavior. Officials from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain have conveyed in private conversations that they want military operations to continue until there are significant shifts in Iranian leadership or a dramatic change in Iranian conduct, according to officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The Gulf nations' position comes as Trump has alternated between claiming Iran's leadership is ready to settle the conflict and threatening to escalate the war if no agreement is reached. The conflict has resulted in more than 3,000 deaths across the Middle East and has disrupted global economic markets. Gulf countries host U.S. forces and bases used to launch strikes on Iran but have not participated in offensive operations.
The UAE has emerged as perhaps the most hawkish among Gulf states, pushing for a ground invasion after facing more than 2,300 missile and drone attacks from Iran. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has told White House officials that further weakening Iran's military capabilities serves long-term regional interests. The Saudis argue any war settlement must neutralize Iran's nuclear program, destroy ballistic missile capabilities, end support for proxy groups, and prevent future closures of the Strait of Hormuz.
Oman and Qatar, which have historically served as intermediaries between Iran and the West, have favored diplomatic solutions. The division reflects varying degrees of support for military action, though regional leaders are broadly backing U.S. efforts. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Monday that Gulf Arab allies support current operations, describing Iranian leaders as "religious zealots" with an "apocalyptic vision."
Trump has praised Gulf allies for their support while criticizing NATO countries for not joining the conflict. Iran has warned it will target neighbors' critical infrastructure, including water desalination plants, if Trump follows through on threats to strike Iranian power facilities unless the Strait of Hormuz is reopened by April 6.