SouthernWorldwide.com – U.S. Representative Mike Waltz has stated that key Gulf allies are fully aligned with President Trump’s strategy to exert pressure on Iran, following a recent regional tour. Waltz, the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit the area since the conflict began, indicated that these partners strongly endorse the administration’s dual approach of maintaining pressure through a blockade and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s “Operation Economic Fury.”
Waltz emphasized the robust support for the blockade, noting that allies shared specific details on how Bessent’s economic initiatives are impacting the Iranian regime. The objective of this pressure campaign, he explained, is to constrain Tehran while the Trump administration pursues negotiations aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Earlier, an unnamed U.S. official had informed reporters that an agreement with Iran was anticipated within days, assessing its completion at 85% but not yet 100%. The official expressed confidence in the deal, stating that while not finalized, they were very close to reaching the finish line.
According to Waltz, regional leaders corroborated U.S. assessments regarding Iran’s deteriorating economic situation. He highlighted that the Iranian currency is “tanking,” foreign currency reserves are dwindling, inflation continues to rise, and the regime is facing difficulties in meeting its financial obligations to the military, government employees, and police.
“I believe the regime will become increasingly desperate,” Waltz remarked. He added that Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Scott Bessent, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner are poised to leverage this pressure to their advantage.
During his visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Waltz met with President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and the foreign minister. He described the Emiratis as among the most proactive regional partners in countering Iran, asserting that there is “zero daylight” between their positions and those of the U.S.
Waltz further stated that the UAE possesses both the capacity and the determination to act. He indicated that the Emiratis are prepared to endure “short-term pain” to achieve the long-term objective of preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
The UAE has been significantly affected by the ongoing conflict. Waltz noted that the country has sustained “by far the most missiles, the most drones, the most hits,” yet has demonstrated remarkable resilience by swiftly repairing damage and resuming operations.
Waltz also pointed to the Abraham Accords as a crucial factor influencing the UAE’s stance. He suggested that the country’s strengthening partnership with Israel represents a significant “important shift” in the regional alignment against Iran.
Bahrain was another key destination on Waltz’s itinerary. The nation hosts the headquarters of the U.S. Fifth Fleet and has been directly subjected to Iran’s attacks and threats in the vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz.
“Until you go and really sit with them, you can’t appreciate what a strong ally they are,” Waltz commented.
He explained that U.S. and allied teams in Bahrain are collaborating with global shipping companies, local maritime officials, insurance providers, and other stakeholders to ensure the continued flow of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy chokepoint.
Waltz criticized Iran’s decision to attack its neighbors, including hotels, port facilities, and energy infrastructure, as a “phenomenally bad decision.” He recounted witnessing evidence at a petroleum site that suggested Iran had deliberately targeted fire suppression systems and first responders before striking storage tanks, an apparent tactic to maximize damage.
“The Iranians were deliberately targeting fire suppression systems,” Waltz asserted. “They were deliberately targeting first responders first.”
Despite these attacks, Waltz highlighted that allied air defense systems have achieved “over a 90% success rate” in intercepting Iranian missiles and drones. He underscored the close collaboration between U.S. forces and Gulf partners in these efforts.
Waltz concluded his trip in the United Kingdom, where he reported that officials have been strong partners at the U.N. Security Council concerning Iran. While acknowledging some “hiccups” and “speed bumps” related to basing and access issues, he stated that many of these concerns had been successfully resolved.
“When we’re working to keep the Iranians isolated diplomatically,” Waltz concluded, “they’ve been very good to work with.”
