Iran and the Gulf: Why Hedging Is No Longer Enough

Gulf states increasingly view Iran's internal stability as a direct national security concern, making them resistant to calls for military escalation. The long-standing strategy of hedging is proving insufficient, as it is a reactive approach that cannot proactively shape outcomes in an increasingly uncertain Iran. Doubts about U.S. security guarantees are fueling a push for strategic autonomy, which requires the capacity to influence regional events rather than just insulate from them. Gulf nations possess significant but underutilized collective economic and diplomatic leverage that could be used to influence Iran's trajectory and better secure regional stability.