Gulf Nations Call for Security Self-Reliance Amid Ongoing US-Iran Conflict

On September 7 2026, at the Hili Forum in Abu Dhabi, Qatar’s foreign-ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari and the United Arab Emirates’ presidential diplomatic adviser Anwar Gargash warned that the Gulf cannot depend solely on the United States or other international alliances for its security.

EuronewsQatar’s Majed Al-Ansari Says Gulf States Should Not Rely Solely on US Security: 15 outlets compared The Media LineQatari Foreign Ministry, speaking at the Haley Forum: War with Iran proves that the alliance with Washington is insufficient for Gulf security Channel News Asia - CNA

The warning follows six months of a stalemate between the United States and Iran that began on February 28 2026, when a US-Israeli operation targeted Tehran. Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks on U.S. bases, energy facilities, and commercial shipping, including the Strait of Hormuz. Qatar, host to the largest U.S. base in the region, and the UAE, whose oil tankers transit the strait, have been directly affected.

YnetNewsQatar’s Majed Al-Ansari Says Gulf States Should Not Rely Solely on US Security: 15 outlets compared Channel News Asia - CNAThe Media LineReuters

• Strait of Hormuz traffic: An average of 10 commodity vessels per day over the past ten days, the lowest level since May 2026.

YnetNews

• Global oil flow: Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply previously moved through the strait.

YnetNews

• UAE infrastructure projects: Expansion of port capacity and development of pipelines, railways, and alternative trade corridors to reduce reliance on the strait.

Euronews

Al Ansari said the alliance with Washington remains “very important” but “is not enough” to guarantee Gulf security, calling for stronger GCC mechanisms and deeper economic interdependence.

Euronews

Gargash echoed this, noting that the war has exposed the limits of reliance on external powers.

Reuters

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov urged that Iran be incorporated into any Gulf security system, referencing earlier Russian proposals for a Gulf-wide concept involving the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the UN Security Council.

TRT WorldRussia calls for Iran to be included in a Gulf security system ReutersYnetNewsThe Media LineEuronews

The precise timeline for the UAE’s alternative infrastructure projects and the extent of their capacity remain unclear, as no source offers detailed milestones or completion dates.

Reuters

• “Our energy exports will not be held hostage, nor will our trade and economic activity,” — Anwar Gargash

Euronews

• “We need to realise in the Gulf that having international forces in the region, having a strategic alliance with the US is very important, but is not enough,” — Majed Al Ansari

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These statements capture the core arguments of Gulf officials and the Russian diplomatic proposal regarding regional security and reduced U.S. presence.

Euronews