Gulf allies are growing more frustrated with the United States over President Donald Trump’s failure to secure a diplomatic end to the prolonged war with Iran, Anadolu reported, citing U.S. media. The report, published August 16, 2026, said anger toward Washington has reached its highest point since the United States and Israel attacked Iran in February.

An unnamed Gulf official told The Washington Post that Trump started the war while Gulf countries were paying the price. Arab and Western officials said Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain have become increasingly critical of the Trump administration after months of conflict and continuing missile and drone attacks by Iran and Iran-backed forces.

Some Gulf states have begun questioning the rationale for hosting U.S. military facilities, according to the report. A Western diplomat said this did not necessarily signal a major shift in attitudes toward Washington. The White House rejected the assessment, saying it has maintained regular contact with regional allies. No final agreement has been reached between Washington and Tehran, while Gulf states remain reliant on U.S. security assistance, including military equipment, ammunition and intelligence.