In a move that will leave its mark on the global health landscape for years to come, the United States has confirmed its formal and final withdrawal from the World Health Organization. The decision, activated by presidential executive order, stems from what Washington described as the organization's "repeated failures" in its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The US indicated it will no longer participate in WHO meetings, even as an observer, and will instead address global public health issues directly with other countries.

A tense historical background: a decision that did not come out of nowhere

This decision was not entirely unexpected by observers, as it represents the culmination of years of escalating tension between Washington and the UN agency. The roots of the dispute can be traced back to the administration of former President Donald Trump, who sharply criticized the organization during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, accusing it of bias toward China and of being slow to declare a global health emergency. In 2020, his administration had already begun the process of withdrawing from the WHO, a move that was later frozen and ultimately reversed by the Biden administration, which emphasized the importance of the US role in leading global health from within international organizations. Therefore, the current decision represents a strong resurgence of isolationist policies in the health sector, reflecting a deep division within US policy regarding the effectiveness of multilateral cooperation.

The consequences of withdrawal: a loss for America and the world

The withdrawal of the United States, the largest financial contributor to the organization's budget at nearly 18%, is a devastating blow to global health efforts. The financial repercussions are already being felt, with the organization facing a severe crisis that has led to staff reductions and a scaling back of its core programs, with a quarter of its staff expected to be laid off. This funding shortfall not only threatens the organization's ability to coordinate responses to future pandemics but also impacts its vital programs to combat diseases such as polio, malaria, and HIV/AIDS in developing countries, leaving a void that may prove difficult to fill.

On the other hand, experts believe the decision will harm American interests themselves. By withdrawing, Washington loses its seat at the table where global health decisions are made and isolates itself from the WHO's early warning and virus monitoring networks, which are considered the first line of defense against pandemics. As WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated, this withdrawal is "a loss for America and for the world," emphasizing that global health challenges can only be addressed through collective and coordinated action.

An uncertain future and financial disputes

Complicating matters further is the ongoing dispute over financial dues. Under the organization's rules, a withdrawing member state is obligated to settle its outstanding financial commitments, which in the case of the United States amount to approximately $260 million. While the organization maintains that Washington has not paid its contributions for 2024 and 2025, the US State Department denies that any legal requirement exists to make payments before the withdrawal is finalized. In a symbolic gesture, the American flag was removed from the organization's headquarters in Geneva, ushering in a new period of uncertainty surrounding the future of international health cooperation in a world facing escalating health threats.

Former US President Donald Trump announced, in a statement that sparked international concern, that a "large military force" was en route to Iran, emphasizing that he was monitoring developments in the region "very closely." These remarks further escalated tensions in the already strained relationship between Washington and Tehran, with Trump threatening harsh punitive and economic measures.

In his remarks to reporters, Trump explained that his administration would not hesitate to impose secondary tariffs on countries that continue their trade relations with Tehran, representing an escalation of the “maximum pressure” economic campaign. But the most serious threat was his linking of potential military action to the internal situation in Iran, warning that any execution of protesters would be met with a US military response that would make previous strikes “look like nothing,” a clear indication of his administration’s hardline policy toward the Iranian regime.

Background of ongoing tension

These threats come within a historical context of escalating hostility between the two countries during Trump's presidency. In 2018, Trump made the historic decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal (the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), signed in 2015, and reimposed crippling economic sanctions aimed at crippling the Iranian economy and forcing it to renegotiate its nuclear and missile programs and regional influence. This policy, known as the "maximum pressure campaign," significantly worsened relations and brought the region to the brink of military confrontation on several occasions.

The importance and impact of military movements

To lend credibility to his threats, Trump's statements coincided with confirmations from US Navy officials that the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying strike group had deployed to the Indian Ocean after departing the South China Sea. Deploying an aircraft carrier to the region is a clear deterrent message, intended to project power and demonstrate readiness for any contingency. Such moves not only affect Iranian military calculations but also send signals to US allies in the region, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and raise concerns among other international powers seeking to maintain stability in the Gulf region, vital to global energy supplies.

Brandishing the military option and linking it to internal human rights issues in Iran is a dangerous strategy that could have dire consequences. Regionally, any miscalculation by either side could trigger a wider conflict that might draw in other countries. Internationally, this escalation further complicates the diplomatic efforts of European countries, Russia, and China to salvage the nuclear agreement, and it threatens the stability of global oil markets, which are highly sensitive to any tension in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received a written message from his brother, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The message focused on the strong and deep-rooted fraternal relations between the two countries and their brotherly peoples, and ways to support and enhance them in various fields.

The message was received on behalf of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince by His Excellency the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Engineer Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji, during his meeting today at the Ministry's headquarters in Riyadh with His Excellency Sheikh Ali bin Abdulrahman bin Ali Al Khalifa, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. During the meeting, a comprehensive review of bilateral relations was conducted, and ways to strengthen and develop them in various fields were discussed, in addition to addressing the most prominent regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Deep-rooted historical ties and a shared destiny

This message comes in a context that reflects the depth of the historical and fraternal ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Bahrain, ties that extend beyond the official and diplomatic spheres to encompass bonds of blood, kinship, and a shared destiny. These relations represent a unique model of integration and cooperation within the Gulf region, as they are united by the framework of the Gulf Cooperation Council and connected by the King Fahd Causeway, a vital artery for economic and social exchange between the two peoples. The two kingdoms have consistently stood shoulder to shoulder in the face of challenges, demonstrating unity of purpose and position in various regional and international forums.

The importance of strategy and ongoing coordination

These discussions are of paramount strategic importance given the current circumstances in the region and the world. Ongoing Saudi-Bahraini coordination is a cornerstone for maintaining the security and stability of the Arabian Gulf and countering external interference aimed at destabilizing the region. This communication aligns with the ambitious development visions of both countries, embodied in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030, which open up broad horizons for cooperation in the fields of economy, investment, technology, and renewable energy, ultimately benefiting the prosperity of both nations. This continuous communication at the highest levels underscores the commitment of both countries' leadership to expanding relations to broader horizons, serving their shared interests and reinforcing their pivotal role in supporting joint Gulf action and consolidating the foundations of security and peace.