# Gulf nations tensions with US administration > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/gulf-nations-tensions-with-us-administration > Updated: 2026-08-17T04:10:13.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2. Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain, are expressing increasing dissatisfaction with the Trump administration’s management of regional stability and its ability to navigate a diplomatic path to end hostilities with Iran. Regional officials have reported frustration over inconsistent U.S. positions, such as threats of military strikes against Iran followed by sudden retreats. One Gulf official remarked, “Trump started this war, and we are the ones paying the price.” This tension has led monarchies to question the utility of hosting large U.S. military bases. Leaders are debating whether these installations provide a security umbrella or merely serve as targets for Iranian retaliation in an era of drone and missile warfare. To reduce sole reliance on Washington, some nations are seeking to diversify security partnerships, exemplified by Saudi Arabia signing a mutual defense agreement with Turkey and Pakistan. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-17: Persian Gulf monarchies question US military base presence Persian Gulf monarchies, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are debating the continued presence of US military bases due to fears of Iranian retaliation and regional instability. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/persian-gulf-monarchies-question-us-military-base-presence ### 2026-08-16: Gulf nations express rising dissatisfaction with Trump administration Gulf nations express rising dissatisfaction with the Trump administration's handling of Iran, leading to discussions about hosting U.S. military bases and seeking alternative security partnerships. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gulf-nations-express-rising-dissatisfaction-with-trump-administration --- Cite as: Gulf nations tensions with US administration. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/gulf-nations-tensions-with-us-administration