- Dr. Frank Musmar
- December 12, 2019
- Paper No. 1370
Extreme instability and mistrust are heightening tensions in the Persian Gulf, especially between Shiite Iran and Sunni Saudi Arabia. Americaโs appetite for military engagement has waned after nearly two decades of war and the region lacks any form of collective security framework, leaving a considerable security vacuum. The Gulf statesโ overtures to Israel are part of an effort to salvage Americaโs security commitment to the area while shoring up a relationship that can mitigate Tehranโs rising influence.