Recent attacks on US military installations across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states have reignited debates about the strategic costs of hosting foreign bases. Since the February 28 joint US-Israel offensive, Iranian-backed forces have targeted at least four American facilities in the region, with new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei declaring on March 12 that all US bases must close or face continued strikes.
Analyst Trita Parsi notes the GCC faces an unprecedented dilemma: 'These bases, once seen as security guarantees, now make host nations frontline targets. We're witnessing real-time recalibration of Middle East alliances.' The shift comes as regional leaders balance traditional partnerships with growing economic ties to Asian powers and domestic pressure for military self-reliance.
Business communities watch nervously, with the Dubai Financial Market's defense sector index fluctuating 8% since March 1. Meanwhile, Chinese-mediated talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia – now in their third round this year – suggest alternative security frameworks might gain traction.
For the 2.7 million-strong Asian diaspora in GCC countries, the instability raises practical concerns. 'Our supply chain managers in Doha and Kuwait City are contingency-planning for multiple escalation scenarios,' said Mumbai-based logistics CEO Arjun Mehta.
As GCC foreign ministers prepare for their April security summit, the question remains whether 2026 will mark a turning point in Gulf states' risk calculus regarding foreign military partnerships.
