'Asset or liability?': Gulf's US security dependence under scrutiny as Iran lands blows

'Asset or liability? ': Gulf's US security dependence under scrutiny as Iran lands blows Submitted by Sean Mathews on Tue, 03/03/2026 - 20:47 American drone and missile interceptors have performed well for the Gulf, but an Iran quagmire will scar faith in US security umbrella Smoke billows from Jebel Ali Port after an Iranian attack, following US and Israel strikes on Iran, in Dubai, UAE, on 1 March 2026 (Raghed Waked/Reuters) Off US  President Donald Trump said his “biggest surprise” since unleashing a war in the Middle East has been Iran’s attacks on the Arab Gulf states, which the US counts as some of its closest and richest partners. “Unbelievable,” a former US intelligence official told Middle East Eye in response to Trump’s comment.