Retired U.S. Vice Admiral Robert Harward has said Iran’s continued attacks on American military bases in the Gulf are strengthening regional support for the United States and encouraging closer cooperation among Washington’s allies.
Speaking during an interview on Fox TV on Sunday, July 19, 2026, Harward argued that Tehran’s actions have had the opposite of their intended effect.
“Without a doubt, Iran’s continued attacks on U.S. air bases in the Gulf are strengthening support for the United States among its regional allies,” he said.
Harward added that cooperation between the U.S. and Gulf states, including Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, had already been increasing and would likely deepen further. He said Iran’s actions would accelerate efforts to build a broader regional coalition against Tehran.
The retired admiral also expressed surprise that European nations had not played a more active role in the crisis, but said he expected broader international involvement over time. He added that the Trump administration was pursuing a strategy that combines military operations, diplomatic engagement and increased economic sanctions to build international support and counter Iran’s missile, drone and potential nuclear capabilities.
