The Gulf states, particularly the United Arab Emirates (UAE), are increasingly frustrated with the United States over its lack of response to recent attacks, according to a report published by the The Wall Street Journal.

The report said experts in Dubai believe American military bases are no longer viewed as a guarantee of security in the region. The newspaper noted that Emirati officials blamed Iran for the recent attacks on Dubai and Sharjah, although Iranian authorities denied the allegations.

According to the report, US President Donald Trump decided not to retaliate after Iran allegedly launched several waves of missile and drone attacks targeting the UAE, one of Washington’s key Middle Eastern allies. The attacks reportedly came less than a month after a ceasefire brokered by Trump.

The Wall Street Journal stated that Gulf countries fear Tehran may interpret the lack of an American response as a sign that Washington is unwilling to enter another war, encouraging further escalation in the region.

The newspaper also noted that European and Asian countries are closely observing the situation, questioning the reliability of American security commitments.

The report highlighted a phrase repeatedly used by Iranian officials since the conflict began on February 28: “Those who wrap themselves in America are naked,” a quote attributed to former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Diplomats and analysts told the newspaper that many in the Gulf now believe the statement reflects the current reality.

The Wall Street Journal further reported that Trump described Monday’s attacks as “minor,” despite disruptions to flights and the temporary closure of schools in the UAE. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly maintained that a ceasefire remained in effect.

Mehdi Gholum, a fellow at the Dubai-based think tank O’Rourke Middle East, told the newspaper that Iran appears willing to undermine the ceasefire while the United States is unwilling to respond, creating what he described as a “one-sided ceasefire.”

Danieh Zafer, director of the Gulf International Forum, said the UAE and other Gulf nations have effectively come under attack as a consequence of US and Israeli actions against Iran. He warned that if Washington continues to avoid military confrontation, Iran may conclude that the US no longer has the will to deter regional threats.

The report also raised broader concerns among US allies in Europe and Asia, suggesting that countries hosting American military bases may begin to question whether those bases provide protection or instead increase their vulnerability.

Retired British Air Marshal Edward Stringer told the newspaper that nations hosting US bases may now feel they have become targets without guaranteed American protection.

The Wall Street Journal concluded that Iran appears confident that continued pressure, including disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz, may eventually force the Trump administration into further concessions.