Gulf Allies Urge Trump to Continue Pressure on Iran Amid Divergent Strategies
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RIYADH (AP) — Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf allies are privately urging President Donald Trump to maintain military pressure on Iran, arguing that the current conflict has not sufficiently weakened the Tehran regime to secure a favorable peace deal.
The coalition of Gulf states, long wary of Iranian influence in the region, has communicated directly with the White House that ending hostilities at this stage would yield an inadequate outcome. While the allies share a common goal of curbing Iran’s regional power, their preferred methods for achieving that end differ significantly.
The United Arab Emirates has taken a more aggressive stance, calling for a ground invasion to decisively dismantle Iran’s military capabilities. Emirati officials believe that a kinetic approach is necessary to ensure the Iranian government cannot reconstitute its threat to Gulf security. In contrast, Oman and Qatar are advocating for a diplomatic resolution. Muscat and Doha argue that further escalation could destabilize the region and prefer negotiations to resolve the standoff.
Despite these strategic disagreements, the Gulf partners remain united in their assessment that the Iranian regime remains too strong. They contend that a premature ceasefire would allow Tehran to recover and continue its support for proxy groups across the Middle East. The allies have emphasized that any agreement reached now would not provide the security guarantees they require.
The push for continued action comes as tensions in the Persian Gulf remain high. The Gulf states are concerned that a withdrawal of pressure could embolden Iran to expand its influence in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. They view the current conflict as a critical opportunity to alter the regional balance of power.
President Trump has not publicly commented on the specific recommendations from the Gulf allies. The administration is weighing the military and diplomatic options presented by its partners. The divergence in strategy among the Gulf states adds complexity to the decision-making process. While the UAE pushes for a ground campaign, the diplomatic efforts led by Oman and Qatar remain active.
The situation remains fluid as negotiations continue behind closed doors. The question of whether the United States will pursue a ground invasion or prioritize diplomatic channels remains unanswered. The Gulf allies are waiting for a clear direction from Washington before committing further resources to the effort.
The outcome of these discussions will shape the future of U.S. policy in the Middle East. The Gulf states are prepared to support either path, provided it leads to a sustainable reduction in Iranian influence. The coming weeks are expected to be critical as the administration formulates its response to the allies' urgent appeals.