The U.S.–Iran war has reignited one of the Gulf’s most consequential strategic debates: what role will the United States play in the Middle East after the conflict? While the military confrontation ended without fundamentally reshaping the regional balance of power, it exposed growing uncertainty across Gulf capitals regarding Washington’s long-term strategic commitment. The central question is no longer whether the United States can defeat Iran militarily, but whether it intends to remain the Gulf’s primary security guarantor or gradually redefine its regional role. Equally important is whether future understandings between Washington and Tehran could leave Iran with greater geopolitical influence despite its military setbacks. Against this backdrop, Gulf commentators offer sharply different interpretations of America’s future posture, the durability of regional deterrence, and the strategic consequences of the postwar order.

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