Jeffrey Sachs Criticizes Gulf States' Reliance on US Protection

Economist Jeffrey Sachs characterized the strategic decision by Gulf nations to partner with the United States and Israel through the Abraham Accords as an "invitation for disaster." Between March and April 2026, Sachs warned that these agreements increased the dependency of Gulf states on American protection while failing to provide actual security.

Sachs specifically cited the United Arab Emirates as a case where ambitions to remain a financial and tourism hub were undermined by bombing and a lack of US assistance. He argued that the region's vulnerability was exposed by Iran's ability to target critical oil, gas, and desalination infrastructure. He further criticized Gulf nations for pledging billions of dollars to the United States during Donald Trump's second term while ignoring the global shift toward a multipolar world.

Sachs concluded that the current US imperial strategy has loved to pit Iran against the Gulf, leaving these nations weaker. He urged Gulf countries to abandon their reliance on the US and instead pursue a relationship of peace and co-investment with Iran.