For Arab states, the conflict has revealed a paradox: the alliances meant to enhance their security may also have increased their vulnerability
3-MIN READ3-MIN1 ListenAmna SaqibPublished: 5:30am, 16 Mar 2026The 2020 Abraham Accords were heralded as a transformative diplomatic breakthrough in the Middle East. The US-brokered agreements normalised relations between Israel and Arab states including the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain. They established full diplomatic relations, opening embassies, initiating direct commercial flights, expanding trade ties and encouraging people-to-people exchanges.
The Arab states were expected to gain economic opportunities, technological cooperation and enhanced security coordination by aligning more closely with Israel and the United States against the perceived regional threat posed by Iran. The agreements were therefore not simply a means of reconciliation but elements of an emerging regional security architecture built around shared concerns about Iran’s expanding influence.
