US envoy says America is not leaving Middle East but allies must increase responsibility

The United States ambassador to the region described the shifting role of the U.S. in the Middle East as akin to 'raising a teenager.' He indicated that the U.S. is moving away from its traditional position as a primary security guarantor for Gulf allies. Direct U.S. military intervention in regional conflicts, such as against the Houthis, was deemed 'fruitless.'

This statement signals a strategic recalibration by Washington, encouraging regional partners to assume greater responsibility for their own security. The remarks reflect a broader trend of U.S. policy adjustments in the Middle East, seeking to balance its interests with a reduced direct military footprint and a greater emphasis on allied self-reliance.