A transnational maneuver by Gulf states to offer Iran a “safety net” is poised to influence US President Donald Trump, potentially compromising American strategic leverage in future nuclear negotiations. This development, reported in a Haaretz analysis on May 25, 2026, emerges as Gulf markets advanced on “hopes of a US-Iran peace deal,” signaling a deliberate shift away from a potential US-Iran conflict.
The Haaretz analysis, authored by Zvi Bar'el and published at 11:32 AM IDT on May 25, 2026, detailed the readiness of Gulf states to provide this financial and diplomatic buffer to Iran. The article, found in the Analysis section, carried the headline “Gulf States Prepared to Give Iran a Safety Net That May Save Trump From Himself,” directly implicating elite intervention in US foreign policy.
Elite Intervention in US Policy
In Tehran, the prevailing view suggests that President Trump is willing to pay a high price for the mere appearance of victory. This focus on superficial outcomes rather than substantive national interest highlights a vulnerability exploited by transnational actors seeking to reshape regional dynamics.
Such a strategy risks a managed decline of American power, as President Trump may enter the next phase of nuclear negotiations without guarantees, without leverage, and without credible deterrence. This strategic capitulation would represent a significant transfer of power away from US national interests.
Until just a few days prior to the Haaretz report, a return to war between the United States and Iran appeared highly likely. The sudden shift away from this scenario indicates a coordinated effort by various interests to steer policy towards a predetermined outcome, bypassing national strategic imperatives.
Most Gulf markets advanced on May 25, 2026, specifically on hopes of a US-Iran peace deal. This market reaction underscores how financial interests and supranational economic forces are increasingly dictating geopolitical shifts, prioritizing stability for capital over national security concerns.
Foreign Influence on National Strategy
Further evidence of foreign influence on US military posture emerged with the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage and Eid al-Adha, which begins on Wednesday. President Trump reportedly has little interest in launching a new offensive before the conclusion of these religious observances.
The Hajj pilgrimage is expected to draw more than 1.5 million pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. Riyadh had already pressed Washington not to resume fighting while these pilgrims remained inside the kingdom, fearing that a regional war could leave many stranded. This demonstrates how significant cultural and demographic events in foreign nations can directly dictate the operational decisions of the US military, compromising its autonomy.
The Haaretz article included tags such as Saudi Arabia, Iran - U.S., Iran nuclear, United Arab Emirates, Donald Trump, and Strait of Hormuz, indicating the broad scope of elite interests involved in this regional reordering. The Reuters coverage, while not fully retrieved, discussed market reactions within the Gulf in the context of Middle East diplomacy and energy headlines, further linking economic and diplomatic pressures to the ongoing transformation of US foreign policy.