US–Israel–Iran War: Is the Gulf Rethinking Its Security Options Beyond America?

The ongoing US–Israel–Iran conflict is forcing Gulf nations to rethink a decades-old security framework built around American military protection.

The Gulf is reassessing its security strategy as the US–Israel–Iran war raises concerns over energy routes and regional stability.

As tensions deepen across West Asia, countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain are reportedly reassessing whether dependence on Washington alone is still enough to protect their strategic and economic interests.

The debate now is whether the region moves toward an “Islamic NATO” style regional alliance, a stronger Europe-led strategic partnership, or a broader multi-alignment model involving emerging powers.

Why the Gulf Is Reassessing Its Options

The biggest trigger is the growing perception that Gulf states were not fully consulted during recent US and Israeli military actions involving Iran.

This has raised difficult questions:

• Can the US still act as the sole security guarantor?

• Are American military bases in the Gulf becoming liabilities?

• Could regional countries be drawn into conflicts they did not choose?

Recent Iranian strikes and threats aimed at Gulf infrastructure and energy routes have intensified these concerns.

Strait of Hormuz Remains the Biggest Pressure Point

A major reason the Gulf is worried is the strategic vulnerability of the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most important oil chokepoint.

Around 20% of global oil supply and a large share of LNG exports move through this narrow corridor.

Any escalation involving Iran, the US, or Israel directly affects:

• oil exports

• shipping lanes

• insurance costs

• global energy prices

This is why Gulf countries are exploring more independent security options.

Is an “Islamic NATO” Possible?

The idea of an Islamic NATO refers to a defence bloc made up of key Muslim-majority regional powers.

Possible members often discussed include:

• Saudi Arabia

• UAE

• Egypt

• Turkey

• Pakistan

• Bahrain

• Qatar

The goal would be to create a regional collective defence structure that reduces dependence on external military powers.

However, internal political differences and competing regional interests could make this difficult.

Why Europe Is Also in the Conversation

Europe is emerging as another possible strategic partner.

With NATO members already concerned about broader regional instability, Gulf countries may seek:

• defence cooperation

• intelligence sharing

• missile defence systems

• diplomatic balancing support

European countries may be seen as more neutral diplomatic actors compared with direct US military involvement.

The More Likely Scenario: Multi-Alignment

Experts increasingly suggest the Gulf may not fully choose one bloc.

Instead, the region may adopt a multi-alignment strategy, similar to how countries like India manage global partnerships.

This means balancing relations with:

• US

• Europe

• India

• China

• Turkey

• regional Arab partners

This approach gives Gulf nations more flexibility in a rapidly shifting geopolitical environment.

What This Means for Global Markets

Any shift in Gulf security policy could impact:

• oil prices

• defence markets

• shipping routes

• regional investments

• global diplomacy

Investors will particularly watch how this affects energy stability.