Gulf states are unhappy with the lack of a U.S. strategy toward Iran, according to people familiar with the matter. According to Jin10, their territory has been repeatedly struck by Iran as the war continues, and U.S. allies in the Gulf have recently asked Washington for more air defense interceptors and assurances that U.S. forces will protect them if the conflict continues. Not all Gulf states are pushing for de-escalation, and some, including the United Arab Emirates, have recently tried to persuade U.S. President Donald Trump to take tougher measures against Iran. Meanwhile, an Iranian diplomat said Iranian officials recognize Trump's political weaknesses and are considering exploiting them if necessary, while the Revolutionary Guards are also considering a preemptive strike if diplomacy fails.