Gulf Allies Urge Trump to Keep Fighting Until Iran Is Defeated

Saudi Arabia, UAE, and other Gulf states push for continued military pressure on Tehran

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:18am

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A dynamic, abstract painting of a missile or drone in flight, repeated in overlapping, fractured geometric shapes in shades of blue, grey, and red, conveying the chaotic escalation of military conflict in the Middle East.As tensions between the U.S. and Iran intensify, Gulf allies push for continued military pressure to decisively defeat Tehran's regime.Washington Today

Gulf allies of the United States, led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, are urging President Donald Trump to continue the war against Iran, arguing that Tehran hasn't been weakened enough by the monthlong U.S.-led bombing campaign. Officials from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain have conveyed in private conversations that they do not want the military operation to end until there are significant changes in the Iranian leadership or a dramatic shift in Iranian behavior.

Why it matters

The push from the Gulf nations comes as Trump vacillates between claiming Iran's leadership is ready to settle the conflict and threatening further escalation. The U.S. leader is struggling to rally public support at home for a war that has left over 3,000 dead across the Middle East and is shaking the global economy.

The details

After initial grumbling about lack of advance notice and warnings of devastating regional consequences, some Gulf allies are now making the case to the White House that the moment offers a historic opportunity to cripple Tehran's clerical rule. The UAE has emerged as the most hawkish, pushing hard for a ground invasion, while Oman and Qatar favor a diplomatic solution. The Saudis argue an eventual settlement must neutralize Iran's nuclear program, destroy its missile capabilities, end Tehran's proxy support, and secure the Strait of Hormuz.

  • The monthlong U.S.-led bombing campaign against Iran is ongoing.
  • Trump has set an April 6 deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz.

The players

Saudi Arabia

A key U.S. ally in the Gulf region that is pushing for continued military pressure on Iran.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The most hawkish of the Gulf countries, pushing hard for a ground invasion of Iran.

Kuwait

A Gulf state that also favors a ground invasion option against Iran.

Bahrain

A Gulf country that supports increasing military pressure on Iran.

Oman

A Gulf state that has historically played a mediator role between Iran and the West, favoring a diplomatic solution.

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What they’re saying

“An Iranian regime that launches ballistic missiles at homes, weaponizes global trade and supports proxies is no longer an acceptable feature of the regional landscape.”

— Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State, UAE Foreign Ministry

“They are religious zealots who can never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon because they have an apocalyptic vision of the future.”

— Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.