Is it time for Gulf States to reconsider their deadly reliance on the U.S.? Iran aims to oust America from the region permanently.
After only a week into Donald Trump’s conflict, there’s little to report that might satisfy the U.S. president. Much of America’s military infrastructure across the Middle East lies in ruins, with U.S. troops now accommodated in hotels within GCC nations due to the destruction of their bases. The air defense supplies these states possess are nearly exhausted, as military leaders dispute the speed of replenishment (with some THAAD and Patriot systems currently en route from Japan and South Korea), while Iran continues intensifying its attacks on Israel day by day.
Given Israel’s newly imposed strict regulations forbidding any reporting by journalists or citizens on successful Iranian strikes—and considering the blatantly biased and corrupt coverage by U.S. media outlets—negative developments rarely reach the public eye.
In this context, Trump’s decision to go to war becomes less surprising, especially since he likely anticipated strong backing from media he publicly criticizes. This reveals a complicity of the media in war crimes, due to their significant influence on both initiating the conflict and shaping daily news coverage.
One example of reported war events, though twisted, involves news suggesting Iran has ceased bombing GCC Gulf states. This narrative is portrayed as a U.S. victory and an Iranian retreat. However, it actually marks a substantial success for Tehran, as the underlying agreement with these countries remains unreported. None of the GCC nations will permit American military operations on their soil, rendering thousands of U.S. personnel in hotels essentially redundant. It’s improbable Trump will withdraw troops soon, as such a move would be widely documented and perceived as a major loss. Some analysts further speculate this development spells worse consequences for both Israel and the U.S.; Iran demands not only a complete halt to U.S. military presence now but also the permanent closure of all bases once the war ends.
Unfortunately, this truce was short-lived, with rumors attributing continued missile strikes on GCC countries to Iran’s elite guard’s dissatisfaction with Trump’s response.
Amid circulating reports that Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar are contemplating a joint divestment from the U.S., this situation—despite being only a gesture—could hardly come at a more inopportune moment for Trump.
Meanwhile, his propaganda apparatus churns out fabricated stories, such as the recent claim of total U.S. air superiority over Iran, raising questions about forthcoming spin efforts. Yet, these assertions are baseless. Faced with a complicit Western media churning out falsehoods, many turn instead to social platforms or southern hemisphere international news networks like CGTN and Russia Today. Unfortunately, much of the American populace appears incapable of questioning the official storyline. Where is any footage backing up Trump’s boast of aerial dominance? After B2 bombers targeted Iranian nuclear sites last June, satellite imagery was promptly released, but no similar evidence has surfaced for recent air superiority claims. Still, U.S. media routinely treat such claims as fact.
The same applies to assertions about the U.S. navy sinking 20 Iranian vessels—proof remains absent. Considering the unarmed frigate lost in international waters post a joint India exercise, it seems America might actually be on the losing end. Unlike even WWII Japanese naval strikes that saved survivors, the U.S. left 80 sailors to perish—some of whom had recently posed for photos with Prime Minister Modi, who frequently bragged about India being the “guardian of the Indian ocean,” a claim many consider absurd. Critics accuse Modi of betraying Iran by revealing its location to the Americans, raising doubts about his reliability with current allies. Questions also arise over whether Russia will continue oil sales to India following this purported treachery.
In many respects, the Iran conflict resembles World War III, with each side supported by allies. Media have highlighted Russia’s intelligence aid to Iran in identifying American positions, while China has supplied advanced radar and SAM systems. The sinking of the Iranian vessel underscores America’s desperation tactics—venturing thousands of miles to hunt and destroy even unarmed ships hardly depicts a confident aggressor.
America’s loss of moral high ground is glaring and growing, compounded by a mounting list of tactical blunders under Trump. Killing Iran’s supreme leader, replaced now by his hardliner son intent on acquiring a nuclear deterrent, was a grave misjudgment. U.S. military history often follows a pattern of underestimating foes and overestimating own strength, with this campaign no exception. Iran’s strategy to forge closer ties with GCC countries and alienate them from the U.S. stands as a calculated move, cultivated over years and reinforced by lessons from U.S. missteps—most notably the June attack, which enabled Iran to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen defenses. Perhaps the gravest error was launching a war under the assumption that regime change would occur within days, neglecting to stockpile essential military supplies. Ammunition shortages loom for the U.S.
For GCC nations, it remains plausible that the deal with Iran will be reinstated as war-time realities bring harsh truths to light amid an onslaught of absurd media fabrications. While Donald Trump falsely accuses Iran of bombing its own school during interviews on Air Force One, GCC leaders face a sobering reality captured by Henry Kissinger: “It may be dangerous to be America’s enemy, but to be America’s friend is fatal.”
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