Gulf allies privately make case to keep fighting until Iran is decisively defeated

PBS NewsHour
by Aamer Madhani, Associated Press
March 31, 2026
3 min read

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Gulf allies privately urge Trump to continue military operations against Iran beyond recent strikes.

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Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and other Gulf allies are privately pressing President Trump to continue military operations against Iran, arguing that recent strikes have not sufficiently degraded Tehran's capabilities. The push reflects deep concerns among U.S. partners in the region about Iran's military threat and their preference for sustained rather than limited action. Trump's approach to Iran will likely shape broader Middle East policy and U.S. commitments to Gulf security partners who view Tehran as their primary adversary. The allies' messaging suggests potential pressure on the White House to expand or extend current operations, even as officials weigh diplomatic and strategic costs. The lobbying underscores the competing interests within Trump's coalition—Gulf states seeking aggressive Iran containment versus other advisers potentially favoring negotiation or de-escalation.

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