…Nowhere is the concern over Iran’s nuclear ambition felt more strongly than among Iran’s Arab neighbors in the Persian Gulf region. Even as U.S. companies rush to sell Saudi Arabia and other oil-rich Gulf states an elaborate missile defense system, Arab leaders worry that the Obama administration will fail to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Recent comments by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton didn’t help.

On a visit to Thailand, Clinton said if the U.S. “extends a defense umbrella over the region,” Iran would not be able to dominate, even if it acquires a nuclear weapon. On a talk show in Bangkok, Clinton reiterated that the Obama administration wants Tehran to understand that gaining a nuclear weapon won’t necessarily increase its influence.

“So we will still hold the door open, but we also have made it clear that we’ll take actions, as I’ve said time and time again, crippling actions, working to upgrade the defense of our partners in the region,” she said.