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Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/26/world/middleeast/gulf-changed-forever-iran-war.html
How Three Months of War Changed the Gulf Forever
(New York Times) Vivian Nereim - For decades, people in the wealthy Gulf Arab nations watched the wars of the region unfold on their televisions. That illusion was shattered by the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. It upended these countries' sense of security, hobbled their energy-rich economies, and pushed them to reconsider defense strategies. The American military bases on their soil - rather than shielding them from any harm - had made them the targets for thousands of Iranian missiles and drones. Many Gulf countries are now intent on boosting their hard power, spending more on military hardware and defense. The scenes that unfolded over the past few months in Gulf cities like Dubai and Doha, including massive explosions and smoldering luxury towers, were once unthinkable to most residents. Parents huddled with children in hallways as incoming missile alerts blared on their phones. In the Emirates, schools closed for weeks. While the Gulf countries were able to intercept the vast majority of Iran's missile and drone attacks, more than 30 people were killed and scores were injured.