### Gulf Allies Growing Disillusioned with Trump as U.S. Security Guarantees Come Under Scrutiny
Despite billions of dollars in defense deals and arms purchases, Gulf allies are increasingly questioning the reliability of the United States as a security partner, with some reportedly considering whether to continue hosting major U.S. military bases on their territory.
According to **The Washington Post**, citing Arab, European and U.S. officials, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain are growing increasingly frustrated and uneasy with the Trump administration’s approach.
The Gulf states are particularly concerned that President Donald Trump has failed to effectively advance the diplomatic process considered necessary to achieve peace with Iran.
The Washington Post reported that several Gulf countries have begun discussions about whether hosting large U.S. military bases on their soil remains beneficial, following months of conflict and continued missile and drone attacks by Iran and its allied groups.
Three current officials and a former U.S. diplomat told the newspaper that the ongoing war has prompted some Gulf governments to reassess the strategic value of maintaining major American military installations.
A senior official from one Gulf country reportedly told The Washington Post: **“Trump started this war, and we are paying the price.”**
Despite the growing frustration, Gulf countries continue to regard Washington as a close security partner and a major supplier of military equipment. The United States maintains significant military bases in Qatar and Bahrain.
However, the growing sense of vulnerability and disappointment is encouraging some Gulf states to explore alternative security arrangements and diversify their strategic partnerships rather than relying solely on Washington.
A senior European official described the recently concluded **mutual defense agreement between Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan** as a signal to the United States, saying the agreement demonstrates that Gulf countries are increasingly unwilling to depend exclusively on America for their defense and security.
The official said the **“Makkah defense agreement”** should be viewed as a clear message to Trump that Gulf states are seeking additional security options beyond their traditional reliance on the United States.
