Source: Christian Science Monitor
by Taylor Luck
“Lost in the noise of the broadening regional war sparked by the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran was a historic turning point: Qatar shot down two Iranian jets approaching its territory. The Monday action, the first time an Arab state militarily clashed with Iran, carried a message: Under siege, once-passive Gulf Arab states are striking back. In less than 72 hours of this new war, the Gulf states have been transformed, evolving from dependents on American security that were pushing for peace to wartime ralliers actively fighting to defend their countries. The Gulf states still hold out hope that diplomacy can end the conflict. Until then, however, they are showing willingness to do whatever it takes, even increasingly offensive action, to protect their citizens, residents, and economies. In so doing, they are changing the way they view themselves and their relationship with the United States.” (03/04/26)
https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2026/0304/us-iran-war-gulf-arabs-diplomacy