In a revealing report, Omani journalist Salem Al-Jahouri disclosed that the United States is seeking trillions of dollars from its allies in the Gulf Cooperation Council as part of the funding for a potential war against Iran. He pointed out that the Trump administration is exerting significant pressure on those countries to participate in the military and financial costs of this campaign. According to Al-Jahouri, the amount demanded is around $5 trillion if these countries wish to continue the war, while the requests also include $2.5 trillion to halt it.
While no official confirmations have been issued by the United States or Gulf governments regarding these demands, this report raises profound questions about the nature of U.S.-Gulf relations amid escalating regional tensions.
For a long time, the Arabian Gulf has experienced a relative stability, but recent events have begun to create an unstable environment. Disturbances in the region have been triggered by several factors, including Iranian military movements, the ongoing conflict in Yemen, and heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Historically, the United States has been a strategic ally of the GCC states, providing military support and economic assistance in exchange for oil and protection of its allies against Iranian threats. In recent years, pressures on oil reserves have increased due to market fluctuations and tense political stances.
Given the potential implications of this demand, these requests could intensify polarization in the region, increasing tensions and placing additional pressures on Gulf governments. Some in these countries may fear a shift in relations with the United States, feeling that they could be used as a means to exert U.S. influence on political and military issues.
Moreover, these demands could affect the stability of oil prices in global markets, potentially exacerbating the economic crises many Arab countries are facing. Gulf states will need to re-evaluate their economic and defense strategies, considering national security and their national interests.
Concerning the direction of Gulf states, they tend to work within a collective strategy. A lack of consensus among these countries on how to handle Washington's demands could lead to new divisions, increasing the likelihood of reduced American investments in the region.
In a broader context, these American demands are linked to maintaining the strategic partnership with the Gulf, but the scale of the requested funds may become a barrier for those countries. Some Gulf governments are facing internal economic challenges due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and rising unemployment.
Developments in this file will remain a focal point for regional and international observers, who are watching for the Gulf states' responses to this American pressure. If these countries respond, the relationship with Washington may become more complex, amidst fundamental questions about its broader role in regional security.
While this news is seen as a new development in U.S.-Gulf relations, it also reflects a broader picture of economic and political issues in the Arab region, emphasizing the need to reconsider how to support stability and achieve interests between regional countries and major powers.