Gulf leaders to meet Trump amid concerns over Iran escalation and U.S. troop drawdown

President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet senior leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and other Gulf states on Tuesday in New York. The talks come as the president weighs a possible escalation against Iran and as Gulf governments voice anxiety about a potential U.S. drawdown of forces in the region.

Trump told Axios he faces a "big decision" on the conflict and wants direct input from the Gulf partners. Analysts say the meeting could shape whether Washington pursues further military action or seeks a diplomatic exit.

"Trump’s planned meeting with Gulf leaders could be one of the most important diplomatic meetings of this phase of the conflict," wrote Iran analyst Danny Citrinowicz.

Earlier in August, Gulf leaders persuaded Trump to halt a planned attack on Iran, believing a diplomatic deal was possible. No agreement has materialised, oil prices remain elevated and U.S. midterm elections are approaching.

Gulf officials say they need to present a united stance and concrete requests to the president. Bader Al-Saif, a historian at Kuwait University, told CNN that a single, specific ask is essential for the talks to be effective.

At the same time, senior Pentagon officials have signaled an intention to scale back U.S. troop levels in several Gulf states, shifting more defence responsibility to regional partners. Saudi officials consider such discussions premature, fearing they could embolden Tehran.

"This is not the time to have these conversations at all," an official familiar with Saudi thinking said.

The war has already prompted Iranian-backed attacks on Saudi oil facilities, pipelines and Red Sea shipping, raising concerns about a broader energy shock. When Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman asked Trump for strikes against the Houthi rebels, the president declined, underscoring the delicate balance Gulf states seek between security assistance and avoiding further escalation.

Experts note that while Gulf states still view American power as vital, they are wary of relying exclusively on Washington. They suggest a narrower agenda—such as securing navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and limited relief on Iranian oil sales—could be a more attainable starting point for negotiations.

Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesman Majid Al Ansari expressed doubt that a comprehensive deal with Iran is forthcoming, noting that both sides may find it advantageous to wait.

"What is the desired outcome for both parties in this war? If anyone can answer that, I am willing to pay a million dollars – from my own money," he said.