The countries of the Persian Gulf feel that the United States has abandoned them, leaving them alone with Iran. This is reported by the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth.
According to the publication, the main claim of the Arab monarchies is that Washington refuses a tough military response, even when their territory is subjected to direct attacks.
On May 4, 2026, Iran attacked the port of Fujairah (UAE) — the only oil terminal in the country operating bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. 15 missiles and 4 drones were involved. However, President Trump described this attack as "insignificant," without taking immediate retaliatory action.
Instead of escalation, on May 6, Trump announced the suspension of the Project Freedom military mission, which was supposed to ensure the passage of tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. This was done ostensibly to resume negotiations with Iran.
The feeling of abandonment is due to the fact that the United States dragged the region into the conflict (in response to attacks on Iran), and now, faced with Tehran's retaliatory actions, they are trying to get out of the game, leaving the allies under attack.
"From the point of view of the Gulf countries, it seems that the United States does not prioritize their safety and actually threw them under the bus," said Denmark Tafer, director of the Gulf International Forum think tank.
Experts note that if the United States does not respond, the Iranians will conclude that America is weak, which destroys the concept of deterrence.
The Gulf countries are suffering enormous losses. Due to the blockade of the strait, more than 900 commercial vessels are blocked in the ports of the Persian Gulf. The UAE economy, especially Dubai's tourism sector, has been hit hard by the airport attacks and investor fear.
Faced with US inaction, the UAE requested protection from Israel for the first time in history. Israeli Iron Dome batteries were deployed to protect Arab territory. This indicates that the Arabs are looking for an alternative to the American umbrella, the newspaper writes.