Gulf allies shut their skies to U.S. strikes on Iran

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have publicly ruled out allowing the United States to use their territory or airspace for any potential military strike against Iran, signalling a clear reluctance to be drawn into a regional conflict involving Tehran.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman conveyed the position directly to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during a phone call on Tuesday, saying the kingdom would not permit its land or airspace to be used for hostile action against Iran. The statement followed a similar declaration from the UAE a day earlier, in which Abu Dhabi said it would not offer logistical support or act as a launch point for any military operations targeting Iran.

The stance presents a complication for Washington, given the scale of the US military footprint in both countries. Saudi Arabia hosts more than 2,300 American troops, while the UAE is home to around 5,000 US personnel stationed at Al Dhafra Air Base near Abu Dhabi.

Regional analysts say the decisions reflect an effort by Gulf states to insulate themselves from the risk of Iranian retaliation and avoid being pulled into a wider war. While the refusals increase the difficulty and cost of any US operation, defence experts note they do not make military action impossible.

The moves come as President Donald Trump continues to reinforce US forces in the Middle East. Recent deployments include the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group, additional fighter aircraft, missile defence systems, and at least one more guided missile destroyer, bringing the number of US warships in the region to around ten.

Trump has described the expanded presence as a show of strength designed to pressure Iran over its nuclear ambitions and its handling of internal unrest, while maintaining that diplomacy remains an option.

The US has also begun large-scale military exercises across the region, reportedly focused on testing readiness, dispersing forces, and coordinating command structures with partner nations.

Iran has warned that any country assisting an attack would be treated as a hostile party. This week, Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Tehran was fully prepared to defend itself and would respond forcefully to any aggression, with US bases in the region prime targets.