Gulf States have not requested the US to initiate a war with Iran, but many are now urging it not to cease military actions until the threats Iran poses to oil shipping routes—critical to their economies—are sufficiently neutralized. This was reported by three sources in the Gulf to Reuters. Concurrently, according to those sources and five diplomats from Arab and Western nations, Washington is pressuring Gulf States to join the military campaign of Israel and the US against Tehran. President Donald Trump aims to demonstrate regional support for the operation to enhance backing from the international community and within the US itself.

However, regional sources indicate that independent military action by any of the six Gulf States is currently not on the table, as only a collective action among them would prevent retaliation against one of their number. A senior official in the UAE stated that the country has chosen restraint, following Iranian accusations that the US military used the UAE to conduct attacks on the island of Kharg. As the conflict with Iran enters its third week, a source in the Gulf mentioned that the sentiment among regional leaders is that Trump should significantly degrade Iran's military capabilities. The implication is serious, as failing to do so would leave them living under a constant threat from the Islamic Republic.