US Gulf Key Allies Say No to Trump’s ‘Beautiful Armada’
Saudi Arabia and UAE refuse to support any US military action against Iran, complicating Washington’s war planning
Iran | PUREWILAYAH.COM — Two of Washington’s closest Gulf allies, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, have publicly declared that they will not allow their territory or airspace to be used for any US military action against Iran, delivering a clear setback to President Donald Trump’s regional military posture.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman explicitly conveyed the position during a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday, stating that the kingdom “will not allow its airspace or territory to be used for any military actions against Iran.”
The announcement followed a similar declaration by the UAE a day earlier, in which Abu Dhabi stated it would not provide logistical support or serve as a staging ground for what it described as “hostile military actions” against Tehran.
US Military Footprint, But No Green Light
The refusals carry particular weight given the extensive US military presence hosted by both countries. Saudi Arabia currently stations more than 2,300 American troops, while the UAE hosts approximately 5,000 US personnel at Al Dhafra Air Base near Abu Dhabi.
Despite long-standing security partnerships with Washington, both governments have now publicly distanced themselves from any US-led military escalation against Iran, underscoring regional reluctance to be drawn into a wider conflict.
Force Buildup Continues Despite Regional Refusal
The US has recently intensified its military presence across West Asia. Washington deployed the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group, additional fighter squadrons, and missile-defense systems to the region.
Reports indicate that another Arleigh Burke–class guided-missile destroyer, the USS Delbert D. Black, joined the deployment this week, bringing the number of US warships operating under CENTCOM to at least ten.
President Trump has described the deployment as a “beautiful armada,” portraying it as a show of force aimed at pressuring Iran over its nuclear program while claiming that diplomatic options remain open.
Drills, Pressure, and Warnings
Earlier this week, the US launched large-scale, multi-day military exercises across the region. The drills reportedly focus on dispersing personnel and aircraft to various contingency locations and integrating command structures with unnamed partner nations.
Iran has repeatedly warned that any country facilitating an attack on its territory would be treated as hostile. On Wednesday, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi reiterated that Tehran is “200 percent ready to defend itself” and would deliver an “appropriate, not proportionate” response, with US military bases in the region widely understood to be potential targets.
While Washington continues to project force, the refusal of key regional allies to provide airspace or logistical support highlights the growing constraints facing US military planning—and the widening gap between American threats and regional willingness to enable them. (PW)