Gulf Allies Urge Trump to Keep Fighting Until Iran Is Defeated

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

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:35am

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An abstract, fragmented painting in shades of red, orange, and purple, depicting the chaotic and overlapping forces at play in the ongoing conflict between the Gulf states and Iran.As tensions escalate between the Gulf states and Iran, the region faces an uncertain future marked by ongoing military conflict and high-stakes geopolitical maneuvering.Today in Miami

Gulf allies of the United States, led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, are urging President Donald Trump to continue prosecuting 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 that Iran's decimated leadership is ready to settle the conflict and threatening to further escalate the war if a deal is not reached soon. The Gulf countries host U.S. forces and bases from which the U.S. has launched strikes on Iran, but have not joined the offensive strikes themselves.

The details

While regional leaders are broadly supportive now of the U.S. efforts, one Gulf diplomat described some division, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE leading the calls for increasing military pressure on Tehran. The UAE has emerged as perhaps the most hawkish of the Gulf countries and is pushing hard for Trump to order a ground invasion, while Kuwait and Bahrain also favor this option. Oman and Qatar have favored a diplomatic solution. The Saudis say an eventual war settlement must neutralize Iran's nuclear program, destroy its ballistic missile capabilities, end Tehran's support for proxy groups, and ensure the Strait of Hormuz cannot be effectively shutdown by Iran in the future.

  • 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 or face further strikes on its power plants.

The players

Saudi Arabia

A key U.S. ally in the Middle East that is leading the push for continued military pressure on Iran.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

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

Kuwait

A Gulf country that also favors a ground invasion of Iran.

Bahrain

A Gulf country that also favors a ground invasion of Iran.

Oman

A Gulf country that has historically played the role of intermediary between Iran and the West, and has favored a diplomatic solution.

Qatar

A Gulf country that has also favored a diplomatic solution to the conflict with Iran.

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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, 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.