Gulf allies press Trump to escalate Iran campaign as ‘historic opportunity’

In a series of private diplomatic maneuvers, the United States’ key Gulf allies are urging President Donald Trump to sustain military operations against Iran, arguing that Tehran’s regional influence and military infrastructure have not yet been sufficiently degraded, according to officials from the US, Israel, and the Middle East.

Senior officials from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain have expressed a firm consensus behind closed doors: the American-led campaign must not conclude until there is either a fundamental shift in the Iranian leadership or a total reversal of Tehran’s regional policies.

Regional allies emphasize “historic moment” to weaken Iran

The current stance marks a significant pivot for the regional bloc. According to reports from the Associated Press, these allies initially voiced frustrations over a lack of prior notification regarding the onset of hostilities and felt their warnings about potential blowback were ignored. However, they are now actively lobbying the White House to seize what they describe as a “historic opportunity” to destabilize the Iranian government.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE have emerged as the primary advocates for intensifying military pressure. One source characterized the UAE as the “most hawkish” actor in the Gulf, reportedly pressing the Trump administration to consider the deployment of ground forces. While Kuwait and Bahrain have signaled support for such an escalation, Oman and Qatar continue to advocate for a negotiated diplomatic settlement.

The joint US and Israeli military campaign against Iran commenced in late January. Tehran responded to the initial strikes by targeting civilian infrastructure and fuel production facilities across the Arab world. Furthermore, Iran has implemented a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, effectively severing the critical export routes upon which Gulf economies depend.

An anonymous diplomat noted that Saudi Arabia has specifically warned Washington that halting the conflict at this juncture would fail to secure a “favorable agreement” that guarantees the long-term security of Iran’s neighbors.

Another senior source indicated that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has communicated directly with White House officials, asserting that the continued erosion of Iran’s military capabilities is an essential prerequisite for the enduring interests of the Gulf states.

The White House has declined to comment on these specific diplomatic exchanges. However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently noted that the US and its Gulf allies remain in “total alignment” regarding the Iranian threat. President Trump has also praised the “tough resistance” shown by the five nations standing against Tehran.