The memorandum of understanding between… US andIran The war that shook the GulfThe Middle East For months, it opened the door to a new phase of negotiations extending for 60 days. But stopping military operations does not automatically mean the return of Gulf-Iranian relations to what they were before February 28, 2026. Between the official Gulf welcome to the agreement, and the heavy memory of the war and the attacks that targeted the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, a fundamental question arises: to what extent can countries Gulf Open a new page with Tehran?
The official positions issued by Gulf capitals reveal clear support for the new diplomatic path, but at the same time they reflect an eagerness to test Iranian behavior during the next stage. The Gulf countries welcomed the end WarHowever, it linked the success of the new phase to a set of principles, foremost of which is respect for the sovereignty of states, non-interference in their internal affairs, protection of international navigation, and commitment to good neighbourliness.
The UAE is betting on stability
in Abu DhabiThe focus seemed to be focused on consolidating the agreement and building on it. It has tightened The UAE Emphasizes the importance of fully adhering to the terms of the understanding, ensuring a comprehensive cessation of hostilities, respecting the sovereignty of states, and protecting sea lanes and freedom of navigation in Strait of HormuzWith a call to continue negotiations to reach sustainable results that enhance regional security and stability.
This approach is consistent with the reading of the Emirati media expert and journalist, Mohammed Al Raisi, who believes that the agreement “will have positive effects on the region, because the Gulf countries view stability as the basic gateway to prosperity and development.”
According to what Al-Raisi told Al-Nahar, the Gulf states “will carefully monitor the extent of Iran’s commitment to what it pledged in the agreement with the United States, but at the same time they are looking forward to a stage in which wars and divisions will decrease and the focus on development and prosperity will increase.”
The Emirati writer hopes that Tehran has drawn a basic lesson from the war experience, stating that “the region does not need further escalation, does not want interventions in different countries, and the language of threats is not appropriate, especially since the Gulf states possess the necessary capabilities to confront any threat.”
A man enjoys the sun on a Sharjah beach as a ship appears in the waters of the Gulf, May 9, 2026. (AFP)
Kuwait and Bahrain… the memory of war
In contrast, it looks Kuwait More cautious in its approach to the next stage. The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the agreement, but stressed the importance of mutual respect, enhancing trust, non-interference in internal affairs, and non-use or threat of force, as well as ceasing to support proxies.
This position finds its echo in the reading of Kuwaiti academic and political researcher Dr. Ayed Al-Manna, who believes that Iranian relations with the Gulf states were “negatively affected” by the war and the strikes that targeted the Gulf Cooperation Council countries during the past months.
Al-Manna pointed out, in a statement to Al-Nahar, that “Kuwait and Bahrain were among the most affected Gulf countries,” pointing out that “Kuwait International Airport was subjected to eight attacks during the war and two additional attacks after it, in addition to targeting other civilian sites such as Al-Ahmadi Refinery and Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port.”
Hence, it is likely that Kuwait andBahrain “The most cautious” in the next stage, considering that “the wounds left by the war will not disappear quickly, and that returning to the level of relations that existed before the war requires time and rebuilding trust.”
This impression is reinforced by what Bahrain witnessed in conjunction with the announcement of the agreement, as the High Criminal Court issued rulings against defendants who were convicted of supporting Iranian attacks on the Kingdom, an indication that the repercussions of the war are still strongly present within the Bahraini scene.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar… between calm and openness
in RiyadhWelcoming the agreement was accompanied by an emphasis on the need to take into account the security interests of countries in the region and respect the internal affairs of countries, while emphasizing the importance of restoring the security and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Saudi position was not limited to official statements, as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince… Faisal bin Farhan In contact with his Iranian counterpart Abbas AraghjiWelcoming the US-Iranian agreement and stressing the Kingdom’s aspiration for it to contribute to enhancing regional security and stability. The two sides also discussed current developments and the importance of continuing diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the region.
This direct communication gives an indication of a Saudi desire to support the new diplomatic path and build on it, without ignoring the security concerns that emerged during the war.
Al-Manna believes that Saudi Arabia “It may be one of the countries capable of developing political and economic understandings with Iran if the current truce succeeds and the negotiating path continues,” especially since it played a supportive role in efforts to prevent the resumption of war.
As for QatarShe seemed the most optimistic about the next stage. It described the agreement as “an important step towards sustainable peace and enhanced economic growth,” stressing its continued support for dialogue and peaceful means.
Al-Manna believes that Qatar, along with… Sultanate of OmanIt will be “one of the fastest Gulf countries to return to normal relations with Iran,” whether at the political, commercial, or tourism levels, benefiting from the role it played during the crisis and from the channels of communication that remained open with Tehran. He points out that this “may pave the way for improved relations with other Gulf countries in the future.”
While Qatar seems closest to resuming its normal relations with Iran, and Saudi Arabia shows a clear willingness to support the diplomatic track, as reflected in the call between the foreign ministers of the two countries, the UAE is betting on the success of the agreement in consolidating regional stability, while Kuwait and Bahrain remain the most cautious due to the repercussions of the war. In any case, Tehran’s ability to reassure its neighbors and adhere to the principles of good neighborliness and non-interference will determine whether the ceasefire will open a new page in Gulf-Iranian relations, or will keep the wounds of war open for a longer period.
