Gulf States Steer US Iran Policy, Says Former Peace Negotiator

Former Middle East Peace Negotiator Gershon Baskin argues Gulf countries are playing an increasingly important role in shaping US policy toward Iran and the wider region. https://t.co/WAYf0KcMAS News Analysis & Summary In a compelling analysis, former Middle East peace negotiator Gershon Baskin argues that Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) statesnamely Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatarare no longer passive observers but active influencers in shaping US foreign policy toward Iran and the broader region. Baskin contends that Washington's reliance on Gulf capitals for intelligence, military basing, and energy stability has elevated their leverage, pushing American policymakers to adopt tougher stances on Tehran's nuclear program and regional proxies. This shift marks a departure from the Obama-era outreach to Iran, reflecting a new paradigm where Gulf interests align with US strategic goals, yet also risk deepening sectarian divides. My own opinion: While this trend underscores the pragmatic pivot of Gulf states toward proactive diplomacy, it also exposes a dangerous dependencywhere Washington's policy may become a hostage to Riyadh or Abu Dhabi's agendas, potentially escalating proxy conflicts rather than resolving them. The article further highlights how Gulf economic diversification and investments in US infrastructure, from ports to tech, have translated into political clout, making them indispensable partners. However, Baskin warns that this influence could undermine long-standing Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts, as Gulf capitals prioritize the Iran threat over Palestinian statehood. Ultimately, this realignment signals a volatile new chapter in Middle East geopolitics, where small but wealthy states dictate terms to a superpower. Source: @AlArabiya_Eng on X/TwitterPublic Engagement Views: 2,695 Likes: 3 Comments: 1 Shares: 1 Published: June 25, 2026, 11:15 am