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Gulf State Relations: The Regional Power Balance

Reference map · Updated March 2026
Country stance toward Iran
Opposed — active adversary
Neutral / hedging
Mediator
Aligned with Iran
Iran
US military base
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The Middle East's geopolitical landscape is defined by a fundamental tension between Iran and a coalition of Arab Gulf states, with the United States as the dominant external power and a network of proxies extending the conflict across the wider region.

Click any country or base marker for a full profile. Toggle layers to isolate specific dimensions of the regional picture.

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