The Wall Street Journal reported that Tom Barrack, the U.S. special envoy for Syria and Iraq, has declared that the transactional relationship in which the United States provided security in exchange for Middle Eastern oil has come to an end, urging Middle Eastern nations to pursue self-defense.

Speaking at the Doha Forum in Qatar on the 20th (local time), Envoy Barrack stated, "The system shaped after World War II—a kind of exchange where the United States provided security in exchange for oil—no longer aligns with America's primary needs."

He added that the United States no longer wants to sacrifice lives for the Middle East, and that Gulf nations also know the U.S. cannot guarantee their security.

The newspaper interpreted these remarks as meaning that "Middle Eastern security officials received a sobering message from the United States."

"The United States, which has guaranteed global security for the past 80 years, no longer exists," Barrack explained. "The message from the (U.S.) administration is not that we are abandoning [our allies], but that we are resetting the relationship."

He also confessed that delivering such a message is "not easy, much like raising teenagers."

With U.S. security guarantees coming to an end, Barrack emphasized that Middle Eastern nations must focus on securing their own defense through regional cooperation. He assessed that shifting toward smaller, diversified alliances—such as a defense pact among Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye—is the right direction.

These remarks came as Middle Eastern nations remain on edge over the possibility of large-scale hostilities resuming between the United States and Iran.

Gulf countries had attempted to dissuade U.S. President Donald Trump from attacking Iran, but failed.

However, as the U.S. now seeks to disengage from wars, these nations find themselves bearing the burden of dealing with a more aggressive Iran.

Acknowledging that the war launched by the United States and Israel in late February has produced unintended consequences, Barrack compared the Middle East to a Rubik's cube, where a single move changes the entire landscape.

Citing Iraq, Libya, and Afghanistan, he said, "It seems every time we intervened to change leaders or regimes, it was a misjudgment."

Trump administration officials have similarly urged self-reliance at security conferences in Europe and Asia as well.

However, The Wall Street Journal pointed out that the U.S. is also showing signs of expanding its military engagement in the Middle East, sending mixed messages.

Last year, the United States designated Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) ally.

Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait also hold this status.

Furthermore, the U.S. has deployed a third aircraft carrier and a Marine expeditionary unit near Iran, while boosting supplies in preparation for a potential resumption of hostilities.

Barrack also emphasized, "We are not leaving."

Ali Vaez, an Iran expert at the International Crisis Group (ICG), pointed out that conflicting messages from U.S. officials are undermining Washington's credibility, prompting countries in the region to hedge their bets.
(Photo: U.S. Central Command X account, Yonhap News)