Gulf nations will seek to add security partners as they rebuild battered economies after the US and Israel’s war on Iran and deal with an emboldened Tehran. In recent months, Saudi Arabia forged a defence pact with Pakistan and the UAE announced a defence partnership with India. During this conflict, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar hurriedly signed defence agreements with Ukraine, to tackle the threat from Iranian drones. A new alignment emerged in March of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan, “Step”. He expected Gulf countries to invest more in air and missile defence, hardening of ports and desalination plants, maritime surveillance, and alternative export routes.

Source: The Guardian April 10, 2026 09:59 UTC