[Goose]

I have read a theory that since Kuwait had earlier pledged not to allow strikes against Iran from their territory, their pilots may not have been operating with expectation US aircraft would be there at all. I'm not sure I fully buy that, but it seems clear that the Gulf states were definitely not at all in the loop on this war from the beginning.

I don't buy it at all, for one very obvious reason. There is a major US air base in Kuwait, Ali Al Salem Air Base. This base hosts the the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing. The 386th operates F-15s and has been flying them out of that base for years. There definitely would be F-15s in the air even if they were in no way involved in strikes against Iran. For one thing, they could be protecting Kuwait against drones. US aircraft were in Kuwaiti skies all day every day, war or no war. Of course Kuwait should fully expect that.
 
While the Gulf States were not at totally in the loop on this war, they were briefed on it after it started. The Gulf States all did prepare to defend themselves, but hoped Iran would limit itself to striking US targets in Gulf State territory. Iran did not do that, so the Gulf States have been forced into this war. IMO the US made a serious error when it failed to provide the same level of protection to these states as it does Israel. Granted there are technical challenges in doing that, but since we have dragged these nations into a war they did not choose we owe them as much protection as possible. All these states fear and oppose Iran, so anything that brings Iran down, they favor. However, they do not favor it to the point they were willing to risk their population and economy enough to start a war over it. We have forced their hand. They don't like it. Qatar in particular has called for "de-escalation", meaning an end to the Gulf States involvement this war. We really, really, really don't want to lose access to these states as basing locations. Qatar was an "early adopter" of the concept while other Gulf States remained a bit stand-offish for quite a while. If they are unhappy, you can bet the other states are even more unhappy. It is EXTREMELY unwise to assume their fear of Iran will give the US carte blanche in starting wars. For many years they played both sides of the street. They might revert to that if things get any worse for them in this current war.

[Goose]

I have read a theory that since Kuwait had earlier pledged not to allow strikes against Iran from their territory, their pilots may not have been operating with expectation US aircraft would be there at all. I'm not sure I fully buy that, but it seems clear that the Gulf states were definitely not at all in the loop on this war from the beginning.

I don't buy it at all, for one very obvious reason. There is a major US air base in Kuwait, Ali Al Salem Air Base. This base hosts the the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing. The 386th operates F-15s and has been flying them out of that base for years. There definitely would be F-15s in the air even if they were in no way involved in strikes against Iran. For one thing, they could be protecting Kuwait against drones. US aircraft were in Kuwaiti skies all day every day, war or no war. Of course Kuwait should fully expect that.
 
While the Gulf States were not at totally in the loop on this war, they were briefed on it after it started. The Gulf States all did prepare to defend themselves, but hoped Iran would limit itself to striking US targets in Gulf State territory. Iran did not do that, so the Gulf States have been forced into this war. IMO the US made a serious error when it failed to provide the same level of protection to these states as it does Israel. Granted there are technical challenges in doing that, but since we have dragged these nations into a war they did not choose we owe them as much protection as possible. All these states fear and oppose Iran, so anything that brings Iran down, they favor. However, they do not favor it to the point they were willing to risk their population and economy enough to start a war over it. We have forced their hand. They don't like it. Qatar in particular has called for "de-escalation", meaning an end to the Gulf States involvement this war. We really, really, really don't want to lose access to these states as basing locations. Qatar was an "early adopter" of the concept while other Gulf States remained a bit stand-offish for quite a while. If they are unhappy, you can bet the other states are even more unhappy. It is EXTREMELY unwise to assume their fear of Iran will give the US carte blanche in starting wars. For many years they played both sides of the street. They might revert to that if things get any worse for them in this current war.