Persian Gulf scrambling to prevent Iran war from again hitting its doorstep

Officials in the Persian Gulf are trying to prevent another U.S.-Iran confrontation from spilling into their region, where U.S. bases have repeatedly made countries targets of Iranian retaliation. With concerns rising about potential U.S. strikes under President Donald Trump, Gulf leaders are privately and publicly urging de-escalation. Qatar mediators arrived in Tehran on Friday for what a person briefed on the talks called a last-ditch effort coordinated with the U.S. to secure an interim deal. Vice President JD Vance, envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner have pushed for negotiations, though others—including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth—appear opposed. In Bahrain, residents still see damage from earlier drone and missile attacks, and with the Fifth Fleet’s evacuation mostly complete, nervousness is widespread.