Chicago – March 20, 2026
Several Middle Eastern countries have surprised observers by hesitating or refusing to support recent U.S. military actions against Iran. Despite long-standing alliances, regional governments are prioritizing de-escalation, citing fears of a wider conflict, economic instability, and domestic pressure.
The shift reflects changing regional dynamics, with countries seeking more independent foreign policies rather than automatically aligning with Washington. U.S. officials continue to defend the strikes as necessary, but the lack of strong regional backing could complicate both military and diplomatic efforts.
