Gulf allies complain US didn't notify them of Iran attacks and ignored their warnings, sources say - AP News
Gulf allies criticize Washington for failing to share intelligence on Iran’s recent strikes
A coalition of Gulf states has publicly complained that the United States did not inform them about an Iranian attack that struck U.S. forces in Iraq and that it ignored their earlier warnings about a broader Iranian offensive. The statements come amid a tense period in which Iran has increased the frequency and intensity of its cross‑border operations in Iraq and the wider region.
Iran’s strike on U.S. forces
On Friday, Jan. 30, an Iranian missile hit a U.S. aircraft near the city of Tikrit in Iraq, killing two U.S. soldiers and injuring a third. The strike was the latest in a series of attacks that have targeted U.S. bases, logistics hubs, and convoy routes across Iraq since the U.S. withdrew combat troops in 2011. Tehran has repeatedly claimed the attacks were retaliatory, arguing that the U.S. presence in Iraq constitutes a violation of Iraqi sovereignty.
Ally warnings that were not acted upon
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar had sent a joint diplomatic cable to Washington on Jan. 22 urging the United States to “take all necessary measures to protect its forces and interests in Iraq.” The cable warned that Iran could “increase the frequency of attacks if its deterrent posture is not respected.” In a statement, the Gulf allies said the U.S. had not notified them of the missile strike and that “our concerns have been repeatedly raised, yet the United States has ignored our advice.”
“The U.S. government has not provided us with the critical information that would have allowed us to better protect our shared interests,” said a spokesperson for the Saudi Ministry of Defense. “We expect a higher level of transparency and cooperation from our ally.”
The United Arab Emirates also released a statement calling for “improved information sharing” and “greater coordination” between Washington and the Gulf states to counter Iran’s destabilizing tactics. “Our governments have always worked hand‑in‑hand with the United States to maintain security in the region,” the UAE statement added.
U.S. response
The Pentagon issued a brief response on Sunday, saying the U.S. “remains committed to the security of U.S. forces and our partners in Iraq.” A spokesperson noted that U.S. intelligence had been shared with coalition partners, but did not confirm whether the Gulf allies received details about the January 30 strike. “The United States will continue to engage with all of its allies to ensure the safety of our personnel and to counter Iranian aggression,” the spokesperson said.
A senior U.S. defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “The U.S. has always sought to keep our allies apprised of threats to U.S. forces. However, in the fast‑moving environment of the region, some information may be delayed. We are reviewing how we share information to improve coordination.”
Broader implications
The incident and the Gulf allies’ criticism come as Iran’s attacks have grown in scale, including drone strikes on U.S. and coalition convoys and a missile barrage that damaged a U.S. Navy warship in the Gulf of Aden. The U.S. has responded with increased air patrols and a “robust” counter‑measures posture in Iraq, but the latest diplomatic spat raises questions about how closely the U.S. and its Gulf partners coordinate intelligence and operational planning.
The U.S. and its Gulf allies have long shared a strategic partnership aimed at countering Iranian influence in Iraq and the wider region. Whether the recent tensions will prompt a reassessment of how information is shared remains to be seen. In the meantime, Gulf leaders have reiterated that “any threat to our joint security will be met with a unified response.”
