Interests and tensions: this is how the Gulf countries pressed to stop the fighting

• The Gulf countries pressed to stop the war due to economic interests.
• Saudi Arabia feared the security threat during the sensitive Hajj season.
• The Emirates formulated an emergency plan for alternative supply lines.
• Prof. Yossi Man: “There is Saudi-Emirati tension that has been bubbling for some time.”
• Why it matters: The split in the Gulf strengthens Iran’s ability to maneuver.

Behind the pressure exerted by the Gulf countries to stop the war with Iran were deep economic and regional interests, beyond the immediate security concern. An official in the Gulf states told N12 that the considerations for stopping the fighting were different in each of the states, depending on its unique needs and its strategic position in the competition for influence in the region.

• Saudi Arabia sought to prevent a security upheaval during the Hajj season, a period characterized by enormous sensitivity in terms of the kingdom’s stability and security.
• The United Arab Emirates acted out of real fear of a resumption of fighting after suffering significant damage, and formulated an emergency plan that includes the establishment of alternative supply lines.
• Qatar postponed the war from the beginning in order to maintain the regional balance of power and to preserve its role as a mediator with channels of influence vis-à-vis all the players.

• Prof. Yossi Man, an expert on the Gulf from Bar-Ilan University, explains that deep tensions are hidden behind the uniform front. “Obviously every country has a different interest,” Mann said. “There is Saudi-Emirati tension that has been bubbling for some time.” According to him, the tensions between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi made it difficult for the Emirates to lead a more aggressive move against Iran during the war.
• Prof. Mann warned that if Iran remains powerful after the framework agreement, the division between the countries will strengthen its ability to manipulate them. He noted that Qatar’s role remains ambiguous and it is difficult to see the formation of a strong and united regional coalition in the near future.

• The war caused heavy economic damage to the Gulf countries, with Bahrain requiring significant rehabilitation and Kuwait facing a major challenge due to being closed and less flexible. The United Arab Emirates is already working to increase output and expand infrastructure to overcome the damage it suffered.

• Alongside the tensions, Man also identifies opportunities for a change in the regional balance of power. During the war, there was a consistent rapprochement between the Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain, and according to his assessment, such a connection may push Saudi Arabia in a more positive direction in its relationship with Israel.