How the United States “milks” the countries of the Persian Gulf through its bases
Author: Davud Ibrahimkhel, a former diplomat of Afghanistan in Tajikistan
The presence of United States military bases in the countries of the Persian Gulf is not a simple adventure, but part of a complex geopolitical structure that has taken shape over decades. However, the reality is that these countries’ hope for security has not come from self-reliance, but from billions of dollars in financial and military tribute; tribute that has redirected the public wealth of these nations toward the United States without bringing them real security.
The countries of the Persian Gulf—especially Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia—not only provided their land and facilities for the use of U.S. armed forces, but also paid billions of dollars for the construction, expansion, and maintenance of bases, as well as for the purchase of American weapons; a tribute that ultimately led to dependency, weakened independent defense capabilities, and facilitated the expansionist ambitions of the United States and Israel, which have taken advantage of the regional situation.
Qatar and Al Udeid Air Base: large investments for uncertain security
Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar is one of the most important centers of U.S. military presence in the region. However, behind this presence lies a story of enormous costs and significant commitments. In recent years, Qatar has spent approximately $8–10 billion on the construction, expansion, and logistical equipment of Al Udeid Air Base.
Qatar has committed to allowing the presence of U.S. forces for at least another ten years and to providing them with land, facilities, and infrastructure. Qatar’s arms contracts with the United States exceed $50 billion and include fighter jets, advanced air defense systems, and other specialized equipment.
The U.S. presence and expensive weaponry have not only failed to provide real security for the people of Qatar but have also drawn the country into a cycle of ongoing dependency and tribute payments.
Bahrain and the U.S. Fifth Fleet: the price of uncertain security
Bahrain, the smallest country in the region, hosts the U.S. Fifth Fleet.
Over the past decade, Bahrain has spent billions of dollars on developing ports, maritime platforms, logistical and support infrastructure for this fleet. Arms contracts with the United States have amounted to approximately $6–8 billion.
The fleet enjoys extensive access to ports, maritime capabilities, and intelligence cooperation. As a result, Bahrain’s dependence on the United States has increased, while real security has not been achieved, and instability persists. This dependence has also facilitated the expansionist ambitions of Israel and external powers.
Kuwait and U.S. bases
The deployment of American forces has been accompanied by high costs. Expenditures on the development and maintenance of bases have reached $5–7 billion. Arms contracts amount to $8–10 billion. The agreement also includes permission to store equipment and to use Kuwaiti territory for operational purposes.
As a result, operational dependency has emerged, independent security has become less guaranteed, and the country will be forced to continue payments in order to maintain the U.S. presence.
The UAE and Al Dhafra Air Base
The cost of constructing and developing Al Dhafra Air Base and its logistical infrastructure is estimated at $6–8 billion.
Arms contracts worth $30–40 billion include fighter jets, air defense systems, drones, and logistical services. In addition, airspace access, intelligence support, and the presence of U.S. forces have been granted.
As a result, billions of dollars have been paid, yet real security has not been achieved. Instead, the presence of bases and military equipment has increased dependency and facilitated the expansionist objectives of Israel, placing the country at risk of retaliatory strikes from Iran.
Saudi Arabia, a giant in tribute payments
Expenditures on base development and logistics: $10–12 billion.
Arms contracts: more than $142 billion.
Privileges: air bases, logistical infrastructure, intelligence, and operational cooperation.
Despite such expenditures, real security has not been ensured, and these countries will be compelled in the future to pay additional billions of dollars to maintain bases and equipment, while complying with U.S. demands.
The real outcome: security or dependency?
The countries of the Persian Gulf have spent billions of dollars on U.S. bases and logistics, and hundreds of billions on arms contracts. They have provided land, infrastructure, airspace, and intelligence services to the United States.
During the war between the United States and Israel against Iran, it became clear that even the costs of defending these bases were borne by these countries themselves.
However, as a result of all these expenditures, real security has not been achieved. Instead, instability, dependency, and the expansionism of the United States and Israel have intensified. These countries are now trapped in a cycle of continuous payments and future financial burdens.
Now, as a result of Iran’s retaliatory strikes, these U.S. bases and equipment have been damaged or require reconstruction. It is evident that the costs of rebuilding will fall on these countries. They will be forced to face demands and pressure from Trump, and it is even possible that they may be required to cover part or all of the costs of a U.S. war against Iran.
The presence of the United States in the Persian Gulf has, in reality, created not security but a system of geopolitical tribute and imposed dependency; countries that have paid billions of dollars have ultimately become even more exposed to threats, as well as political and economic pressure, while their future is tied to further expenses and deeper dependency.
