Can Gulf countries defend themselves against renewed Iranian attacks?

Following renewed US bombardments on Iran's southern coast, air defense systems were activated in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the UAE, and Jordan this week after Iran launched attacks targeting US military installations. This escalation comes less than a month after a US-Tehran MoU aimed at halting a war that began on February 28. Both sides accuse the other of violating the agreement, with the Strait of Hormuz being a key point of contention.

• The renewed attacks highlight a dilemma for Washington's regional partners: the US military presence makes them targets, but also protects them from Iranian missiles and drones.
• Gulf states possess layered air defense networks, combining US, European, and other systems, which have demonstrated high interception rates. However, experts like Simon Mabon note, "The biggest challenge is capacity, and that’s becoming an increasing concern, particularly the continued use of very expensive interceptor missiles against relatively cheap drones."
• Iran's use of inexpensive drones poses a cost-imposition strategy, aiming to deplete costly interceptor stocks.
• The current crisis is accelerating efforts among Gulf states to enhance military cooperation, including intelligence sharing and integrated air defenses, to potentially reduce reliance on the US in the long term.