Developments over the past two years in West Asia—particularly the war jointly initiated by the United States and Israel against Iran—have shown that despite existing warnings and diplomatic opportunities, Washington was willing, at Israel’s request and will, to choose the high-risk path of military confrontation. Evidence indicates that the strategic priority behind this decision was securing Israel’s interests and security. As a result, Arab countries hosting US military bases—despite maintaining constructive relations with Iran and having no desire to be drawn into an unwanted war—were exposed to the consequences and costs of this conflict.
Remarks by a Saudi official in an interview with Al Jazeera underscore that America’s defensive focus is on Israel’s security, while the defense of Arab host countries receives less attention. This claim is reinforced by operational evidence; Israel’s attack on Doha in September 2025, which targeted residential buildings housing senior Hamas leaders, is an example of the real security limitations facing host countries. Although this historical incident is only one example, the main focus of the discussion is America’s decision to initiate war and its prioritization of Israel’s security. The presence of US bases in Arab countries, despite their role in regional stability and their hosting of foreign forces, has provided Washington with broad military capacity to act against Iran.
This situation, despite Iran’s reluctance and its good relations with host countries, compels Tehran to target these bases in response to threats in order to preserve its practical deterrence. This experience confirms a pattern of asymmetric security dependence in the region: Arab countries have received much of their defense infrastructure from the United States and host strategic bases, yet in times of crisis, America’s operational priority remains Israel’s interests and security. The key lesson for Arab states is that relying solely on the presence of US forces or advanced defense systems does not guarantee national security.
Recent experience shows that real security must be grounded in regional mechanisms, national capabilities, and collective cooperation. Arab countries should pursue security diversification scenarios, including establishing independent defense systems, exchanging strategic intelligence with neighbors, and designing joint deterrence policies. Redefining regional security based on shared interests would enable Arab states to depend less on the unilateral decisions of extra-regional actors and to respond to crises more swiftly and in coordination.
The recent experience demonstrated that one-sided dependence places countries in a vulnerable position, and that even good relations and active diplomacy cannot prevent the United States from operationally using its bases against Iran.
Taken together, these recent developments show more than ever that Arab countries must learn from the experience of the recent war and similar historical examples, and—based on new realities—review and redefine the mechanisms for ensuring sustainable security in the region. Sustainable security should not rest solely on the presence of foreign powers; rather, it must be centered on a combination of national defense capability, regional cooperation, independent diplomacy, and collective deterrence. Only in this way can Arab countries safeguard their interests against external prioritizations and avoid becoming victims of extra-regional conflicts.
NOURNEWS