Gulf states must engage directly with Iran as US security role wanes, analyst says

By Al Jazeera English

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Planned talks in Oman between Iran and GCC states have been postponed, officially to create conditions for constructive dialogue. Meanwhile, the Houthis have been cementing their control of the Bab al-Mandab area. Sultan Barakat, professor of public policy at Hamad bin Khalifa University, told Al Jazeera that the Oman meeting was the result of a mediated process, not an Iranian invitation, with Gulf states trying to get Iran around the table for regional arrangements, knowing they cannot rely on the United States and do not want direct confrontation with Iran. He said the war started as a short operation but is now entering its seventh month, with Gulf states paying the highest price. Barakat explained that Bahrain is opposed to the talks in principle and will not sit with Iran until diplomatic relations are restored, while Saudi Arabia is worried about being presented with a fait accompli — an Oman-Iran plan discussed for months — and feels Iran is playing a double game by talking whi

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