Saudi Arabia and the UAE have blocked American strikes on Iran, delivering a major setback for US strategy in the Middle East. President Donald Trump announced he had postponed a planned attack at the request of Gulf allies, who are concerned about the risk of Iranian retaliation and economic disruption.
The decision, made public in mid-May, illustrates the extent to which even close partners can constrain American military planning in the region as the 2026 Iran war enters a new phase.