The reported talks signal a potential shift in regional security arrangements as Gulf countries seek to reduce reliance on the U.S. umbrella, the Financial Times said.
Gulf states are negotiating a new security pact with Iran in a move that would mark a significant recalibration of regional defense ties, with countries in the region seeking to step out from under the U.S. security umbrella, the Qatari prime minister said, according to the Financial Times. If realized, the talks would point to a broader effort by Gulf governments to manage tensions with Tehran directly rather than relying primarily on Washington’s military backing, a longstanding pillar of Gulf security strategy.