Trump expresses surprise as Iran targets US Gulf allies

US President Donald Trump stated he was "surprised" that Iran has attacked US allies in the Gulf, calling it "the biggest surprise of the whole thing." Trump described the targeted nations as "terrific" and noted they were "shot at unnecessarily." These Gulf states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman) host US military bases and are major arms purchasers, receiving US protection in exchange. Despite assurances to Tehran that bases wouldn't be used for attacks, Iran has launched thousands of drones and missiles at airports, military sites, and infrastructure. Gulf states now fear deeper involvement in a conflict they sought to avoid diplomatically. Trump urged nations to deploy warships to protect the Strait of Hormuz.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/03/15/war-i-have-been-surprised-trump-opens-up-on-irans-strategy/