The Trump administration is facing growing discontent from Gulf allies who say they were not given enough warning before the conflict with Iran escalated, officials familiar with the matter said.
The news outlet, citing officials of the two Gulf countries, said their governments were disappointed with the United States’ handling of the early stages of the war, particularly the initial strike on Iran on February 28.
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Complaints about lack of advance warning
The officials said Gulf governments were not informed in advance of the US-Israeli attack on Iran and had previously warned Washington that such an action could have serious consequences across the region.
Officials said their warnings were not fully heeded, leaving Gulf states scrambling to respond as Iranian drones and missiles began targeting Gulf countries in retaliation.
Regional security concerns
One official said there is frustration — and even anger — among Gulf governments that the United States’ military response is primarily focused on protecting Israel and American troops.
The official said many in the region believe the Gulf countries have been largely left to fend for themselves against the barrage of Iranian attacks.
Persian Gulf states in range of Iranian missiles
The five Arab Gulf states have become key targets of Iranian retaliation due to their proximity to Iran and the presence of US forces.
Iran has fired at least 380 missiles and more than 1,480 drones at Gulf countries since the conflict began, according to Associated Press data based on official statements.
US soldiers killed in drone attack in Kuwait
The conflict has also taken a toll on US forces deployed in the region. Six US soldiers were killed in Kuwait on Sunday when an Iranian drone struck an operations center located in a civilian port more than 10 miles from a major US military base.
According to the husband of one of the soldiers killed, the operations center — used by a supply and logistics unit based in Iowa — was a shipping container-style structure with no defenses.
The Pentagon acknowledges that some drones cannot be intercepted
During briefings for members of Congress, Pete Hegseth said the US military may not be able to intercept many incoming drones.
Drone attacks hit US diplomatic missions
Several drone strikes this week also targeted US diplomatic facilities in the Persian Gulf region.
An attack on the US embassy in Riyadh caused a limited fire inside the compound, while another drone strike near the US consulate in Dubai started a small fire outside the facility.
The US is asking Ukraine for help with drone defense
As the attacks intensify, the US has asked for help from Volodymyr Zelensky, whose country developed expertise in countering Iran’s Shahed drones during the war with Russia.
Zelenskyy said that Ukraine has been asked for help in dealing with the drone threat.
In response to the remarks, Donald Trump said Washington would welcome outside support. “Of course, I will accept, you know, any help from any country,” Trump told Reuters.
