Gulf leaders meet Trump with two fears: more war and less US protection

Key Points:

• US President Donald Trump is meeting Gulf Arab allies in New York as he considers whether to escalate military action against Iran, with Gulf leaders urging caution to avoid deeper involvement in the conflict.
• Gulf leaders previously convinced Trump to call off a major attack on Iran in August, hoping for a diplomatic deal that has yet to materialize amid rising oil prices and approaching US midterm elections.
• The Gulf states face increasing security threats from Iran-backed proxies targeting their energy infrastructure, while also worrying about a potential reduction of the US military presence in the region.
• Saudi Arabia, despite recent attacks on its oil facilities and export routes, has not received direct US military intervention, highlighting the limits of the US-Gulf security relationship amid shifting US priorities.
• Gulf leaders seek a united and specific diplomatic approach to ensure stability, possibly focusing on securing freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, but prospects for a comprehensive peace deal with Iran remain uncertain.