The Arab Gulf states are trying to hedge between global powers, warming ties with China and Russia while mending — at least publicly — fences with Iran. While the region maintains an exceptional relationship with the United States, its newfound friendship with Washington's rivals may impact US foreign policy in the Gulf.
Recent Western sanctions on Russia over its war on Ukraine have led to increased exports of crude oil to the Gulf region. The Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) investments in Russian oil reached an all-time high in late 2022, according to the Middle East Economic Survey, which estimates that Saudi Arabia is importing more than 100,000 barrels of oil per day from Russia.
