Unfortunately, the Arab media has not paid sufficient attention to the true reality on the ground regarding the capabilities of Gulf defenses to repel Iranian attacks using missiles and drones. This comes at a time when both the Iron Dome and David’s Sling in the Israeli entity failed to intercept these Iranian assaults. It seems that as Arabs, we only manage to criticize ourselves and undermine our own capabilities.
It is crucial to highlight a significant point: the military preparations in the Gulf, particularly in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain, have successfully relied on themselves to fend off the unexpected Iranian aggression against Gulf nations.
Even more surprising—something that has been overlooked by both Arab and foreign media—is that the Gulf states have defended American bases on their soil, essentially protecting American soldiers. These bases, now considered a burden on Gulf countries, have forced the great Arab people to bear the cost of military and economic confrontations in which they had no part. Historically, they have always leaned towards Iran and opposed any form of aggression against it. However, when Israel took Trump hostage, it began to dictate terms, and the Israeli Mossad and Shin Bet provided false intelligence claiming that the Iranian regime would collapse within a week, despite denials from American intelligence and the Pentagon. Consequently, the U.S. has become embroiled in a conflict with Iran without a strategic vision for how to end the war, failing to consider the Strait of Hormuz, which has become a trap for both the U.S. and Israel.
I must commend the wisdom of Gulf leaders in exercising restraint and not falling into the American-Israeli trap of placing their nations on the front lines against Iran. They rejected this approach to avoid igniting a confrontation that would lead to economic and military setbacks, which would cost Gulf populations for decades. This region is the true artery of Arab economic progress through energy, oil, gas, and petrochemical projects, which have undermined the Israeli agenda to drag Gulf countries into a conflict against Iran, especially given the global impact of halting oil and gas supplies from the Gulf, with the Strait of Hormuz symbolizing the paralysis in global trade and supply chains.
We must also not forget the steadfast position of Jordan, where King Abdullah firmly rejected any involvement in the war or the use of its territory or airspace to strike Iran. The Jordanian army successfully thwarted all drones sent its way. Additionally, we acknowledge the noble stance of Iraq, whose resilient people and military have emerged from the suffering following the American occupation. Iraq continues to withstand attacks from Iran, Israel, and the United States while being led by one of its most competent Prime Ministers in recent history, Muhammad Shia’ al-Sudani. He is navigating a precarious balance on the frontline, as Iraq suffers from assaults on its oil sites, which are vital to its economic resurgence, even as it possesses significant cash reserves post-independence. The question remains: will Iraq endure, or will it slip into a quagmire of war, especially as Israel and the U.S. target the Popular Mobilization Forces and Iraqi militias loyal to Iran?
I assure you that my national stance has always favored the Egyptian and Arab people. Those who interact with us know that our voice is strong and that we fear no one but God when it comes to the truth. For 35 years, as a journalist in the Egyptian royal court and an independent elected member of the Egyptian parliament, I have defended Egyptian and Arab issues to preserve the dignity and pride of Egypt. I consistently stand with the people against any transgressions. Thus, our position in this crisis is against the U.S. and Israel and against anyone collaborating with the Zionist entity in any form, as well as against Iran’s assaults on Gulf countries, Jordan, and Iraq under any pretext.
Returning to the Gulf states, they have managed, through their military forces, to protect their lands from the unacceptable Iranian interference, both in form and substance. This is crucial because the missiles and drones launched at Gulf countries would naturally have targeted Israel. The recent strikes against Israel revealed the truth, and we witnessed scenes in Haifa, Dimona, and Arad reminiscent of what Israel inflicted upon Gaza.
From this point, we must reevaluate many matters:
Will Gulf security remain separate from Arab national security?
Will Gulf states dispense with American bases after the war, relying instead on military advisors from the U.S. or other countries?
Will Gulf states diversify their arms sources, potentially looking to countries like Pakistan?
Will Egypt become the primary supporter of Gulf security in the upcoming phase?
Will the establishment of the Arab military force proposed by Egypt in 2015 be activated? We are in dire need of such a military force today, free from emotional rhetoric and declarations!
As we have repeatedly stated, those who shelter under Americans are exposed. Arab and Gulf nations must unite their military forces to become a formidable player in the restructured Middle East—not in Netanyahu’s way, especially after Israel’s vulnerabilities were exposed by Iranian missiles and drones. There will be no “new Middle East” according to that vision, nor will Israel remain the “great” entity; it will merely be a “small” Israel, haunted by Hezbollah and Iranian missiles, where fear and migration away from Israel define this war.
Arabs must learn from this crisis and conflict that have unveiled the true face of all parties involved. Arab states should possess genuine military forces funded by trillions of dollars instead of spending on America and the West, which supports Israel with Arab and Gulf funds. We must all acknowledge that we have fallen short in our duty to our peoples, failing to inform them about what transpires behind closed doors and the agreements made. Some Gulf nations should announce their withdrawal from the Abraham Accords, as Israel remains the true enemy of the Arab world, regardless of some ideological disputes with Iran and its militias, which must also understand that Arabs are their shield, not an enemy to attack.
Additionally, the visit of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to the UAE represents a new Ethiopian trap aimed at sowing discord between Gulf nations and Egypt. Neither Abiy Ahmed nor a million others like him can stand against the Egyptian giant, who serves as the true bulwark against any future disputes in the region, should an agreement be reached to establish an Arab military force ready to deter any attacks on Arab countries.
Ultimately, the war will end sooner or later, but I must commend the role of the Egyptian communities in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman, who have resolutely refused to abandon their jobs in the Gulf during Iranian bombardments, even declining to leave these nations. This is how the bonds of solidarity manifest among the people of Egypt and the Gulf, standing as a true response to those small-minded individuals attempting to create discord among Arab nations. The wise do not engage with the vile actions of the petty, regardless of their motives, agendas, or the Israeli electronic committees that wreak chaos in some countries to try to pit Egypt against the Gulf states.
Let us put aside divisions and disagreements; we must rise above these conspiracies and unite our countries militarily, for the world respects only the language of strength.
In times of crisis and hardship, Egypt’s true nature shines through. Egypt influences others and remains steadfast; it never forgets its Arab brothers. Currently, Egypt, alongside Turkey and Pakistan, is engaged in the longest and most challenging marathon of negotiations with the American side to avert the drums of war that threaten to engulf everyone. Egypt, with its rich heritage, will always be the great nation, the mother of the world, and home to the best soldiers on Earth. This is not merely our claim but a description from our noble Messenger, peace be upon him. Finally, I reiterate what I have said time and again: listen to the voice of Egypt, its army, and its people, for they are the first line of defense in any war, calamity, or crisis.
