Gulf states turn to private foreign military specialists amid Iran attacks

Gulf states turn to private foreign military specialists amid Iran attacks Submitted by Levent Kemal on Mon, 03/09/2026 - 11:34 Iranian strikes on Gulf Arab countries prompt them to reevaluate their defence capabilities Smoke plumes billowing in Dubai after a projectile strike on 2 March 2026 (Planet Labs PBC/AFP) Off Gulf countries that have come under fire from Iranian missiles and drones are seeking private military personnel and technicians, two people familiar with the issue told Middle East Eye. Iran’s attacks on strategic assets such as military sites and energy infrastructure, as well as cities, in the United Arab Emirates , Bahrain , Kuwait and Qatar prompted these countries to re-evaluate their defence capabilities, with many Iranian projectiles continuing to hit buildings and energy facilities. Tehran launched the attacks in response to the joint US - Israeli war on Iran that began on 28 February.