Donald Trump Was Warned Of Likely Iranian Retaliation On US Allies In Gulf: Report

Last Updated:March 17, 2026, 13:53 IST

Sources said pre-war briefings had identified Iranian retaliation, including potential strikes on countries such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait.

US President Donald Trump was cautioned ahead of military action against Iran that Tehran could retaliate against American allies in the Gulf, according to officials familiar with US intelligence assessments.

Sources said pre-war briefings had identified Iranian retaliation as a likely scenario, including potential strikes on countries such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait.

While not described as certain, the possibility was considered a credible outcome.

The disclosures come after Trump said on Monday that Iran’s response had caught him off guard, claiming that “nobody expected" Tehran to target multiple countries in the region.

However, officials said intelligence agencies had also warned that Iran might attempt to disrupt the Strait of Hormuz, a key transit route, and expand the conflict beyond its borders if attacked.

In the weeks since hostilities began, Iranian missiles and drones have reportedly struck military and civilian sites across Gulf nations, including US bases, energy infrastructure, and transport hubs.

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been severely curtailed, fuelling a spike in global energy prices.

The conflict began after the United States joined Israel in launching airstrikes on Iran in late February, targeting key military and leadership positions.

Despite the administration’s justification for the strikes, ranging from alleged nuclear threats to missile capabilities, some US lawmakers have said briefings did not point to any immediate danger that warranted military action.

Officials also indicated that intelligence agencies had warned the strikes could trigger a broader regional conflict, particularly if Iran believed Gulf states were supporting US operations. Such assessments included the possibility of attacks on American military and diplomatic facilities across the region.

The White House and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence have not commented on the reports.

News world Donald Trump Was Warned Of Likely Iranian Retaliation On US Allies In Gulf: Report

Read More