Several US allies in the Persian Gulf are reportedly unhappy with how the administration of Donald Trump handled the conflict with Iran after joint strikes by the United States and Israel triggered waves of retaliatory drone and missile attacks.
Officials from two Gulf countries said their governments were disappointed that they were not given enough time to prepare for Iran’s retaliation. According to them, the US did not provide advance warning before the attack on Iran last Saturday.
They also said their governments had warned Washington that the strikes could trigger serious consequences across the region.
Concerns over regional security
Officials in the Gulf region said there was growing frustration that the US military response appeared focused mainly on protecting Israel and American troops.
One official said air defence resources in his country were running low, AP reported.
The officials spoke anonymously because they were discussing confidential diplomatic matters. Governments in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain did not respond to requests for comment.
White House response
The White House defended its approach and said Iran’s retaliatory capabilities were weakening.
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said, “Iran’s retaliatory ballistic missile attacks have decreased by 90% because Operation Epic Fury is crushing their ability to shoot these weapons or produce more. President Trump is in close contact with all of our regional partners, and the terrorist Iranian regime’s attacks on its neighbors prove how imperative it was that President Trump eliminate this threat to our country and our allies.”