Gulf Arab states are frustrated that a preliminary US-Iran peace deal does not address Iran's missiles or drones, raising doubts about Washington's ability to guarantee regional security and prompting leaders to consider bolstering air defenses and diversifying alliances.
The Nagorno-Karabakh crisis has exposed the deteriorating relationship between Armenia and Russia, with Armenian officials accusing Russia of failing to fulfill its security commitments. Armenia, which has relied on Russia as its sole security guarantor, has grown frustrated with the perceived ineffectiveness of Russia's peacekeeping force in Nagorno-Karabakh. The fraying ties between the two countries have been exacerbated by Armenia's attempts to forge new international partnerships, including joint military exercises with the United States. Russian commentators and politicians have been critical of Armenia's leadership, while Armenia has accused Russian peacekeepers of failing to protect Nagorno-Karabakh. The crisis has laid bare the deepening rift between Armenia and Russia.