For many years, Gulf states viewed the United States as their primary strategic ally, forging a robust partnership encompassing security, energy, finance, and diplomacy. However, developments in foreign policy have shifted the focus away from these alliances, leaving Gulf interests in the background. As the U.S. engages with Iran while aligning with Israeli interests, Gulf nations find themselves sidelined, raising critical questions about the longevity and reliability of their strategic partnerships.
An Enduring Alliance
The relationship between Gulf states and the U.S. has been characterized by deep interdependence. Gulf nations have opened their territories for American military use, effectively creating a stable environment for U.S. operations in the region. In 2024, trade between these partners topped $120 billion, with substantial Gulf investments aimed at boosting the American economy. This engagement is reciprocated by a formidable U.S. presence in Gulf markets across various sectors, including technology and infrastructure.
The Riyadh summit of 2025 further illustrated this partnership, leading to agreements worth over $2 trillion. Gulf sovereign wealth funds funneled nearly $70 billion into U.S. assets in the same year. Beyond financial figures, Gulf states have historically supported the U.S. through investments in Treasury bonds, which stabilize American borrowing costs and affirm the dollar’s dominance globally. In return, these nations had expected their fundamental interests to be recognized.
These core interests align closely with U.S. objectives, focusing on three primary pillars: the need for economic diversification away from hydrocarbons, the necessity of regional stability for investment attraction, and the vital importance of energy security to ensure consistent supplies of oil and gas.
Gulf states have invested heavily—both politically and financially—in fostering a stable regional order, leaning towards diplomacy rather than aggression. For instance, Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in mediating conflicts in Yemen while enhancing relations with Iran and Turkey. Such efforts signify a larger strategy aimed at cultivating a cooperative regional environment, which seemed to coincide with American priorities in the Middle East.
In recent years, however, the U.S. has aligned itself more closely with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s agenda, which appears to promote regional instability. By prioritizing Israeli expansionist goals, Washington is endangering critical maritime routes like the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb, thereby exposing global energy markets to unpredictable fluctuations. This shift has plunged the region, particularly Gulf nations, into chaos, with consequences that could linger for years.
Gulf states must face a harsh reality: sustainable regional stability cannot rest on continued U.S. dependency. The American commitment to the region may be limited by geographic and cultural disconnects, leaving Arab interests vulnerable. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the necessity for self-reliance and internal stability becomes all too clear.
Despite this, some Gulf nations continue to hope for a “special relationship” with the U.S., often at the expense of regional unity. For example, the recent decision by the United Arab Emirates to withdraw from OPEC reflects a retreat from cooperative dynamics. While such moves may provide immediate benefits, they ultimately weaken Arab unity and play into the hands of entities seeking to exploit divisions within the region.
Moving forward, Gulf states should pivot their focus from external alliances to cultivating intra-regional development and self-reliance. By fostering political partnerships and nurturing internal dialogue, these nations can build a more cohesive framework aimed at mutual economic and security interests. This shift can lead to a more balanced and stable regional power structure, free from the whims of distant external influences.