Can Gulf countries defend themselves against renewed Iranian attacks?
Air defence systems were activated in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan again this week after Iran launched another wave of attacks it said were aimed at United States
Air defence systems were activated in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan again this week after Iran launched another wa
Read Full Story at Al Jazeera →Why This Matters
The latest Iranian strikes underscore a dangerous escalation in regional proxy warfare, where Gulf states increasingly find themselves on the front lines of a conflict they did not initiate but cannot afford to lose. The activation of air defenses across multiple Arab capitals signals a shift from sporadic skirmishes to sustained, coordinated countermeasures—a test of both technological resilience and political cohesion in the face of Iranian aggression.
Background Context
This is not the first time Gulf states have scrambled to intercept Iranian projectiles; similar incidents flared during past tensions, including the 2019 attacks on Saudi oil facilities and last year’s direct missile and drone strikes on the UAE. But the scope of this week’s response—spanning six countries—reflects a broader Iranian strategy of exploiting regional divisions, leveraging proxies like the Houthis in Yemen and militias in Iraq to stretch Gulf defenses thin while avoiding direct confrontation.
What Happens Next
The key question is whether Gulf states will deepen their security integration with Israel or double down on U.S. guarantees amid waning American commitment to the region. Another critical variable is Iran’s next move: will these strikes be a temporary show of force or the opening salvo in a prolonged campaign of attrition? Meanwhile, the economic fallout—disrupted trade and energy markets—could force a recalibration of regional priorities beyond military posturing.
Bigger Picture
This escalation fits a troubling pattern of regional actors using asymmetric warfare to reshape the balance of power without triggering full-scale war. Gulf states’ reliance on Western-supplied air defenses exposes a critical vulnerability: their defense architectures remain dependent on foreign suppliers, leaving them exposed to supply chain disruptions or political shifts in Washington. The episode also highlights how Iran’s "forward defense" strategy is reshaping the Middle East into a patchwork of fragile deterrence systems.
