Iran has issued a strong warning to its Gulf neighbors, threatening severe retaliation if their territories or airspace are used to aid Israel in any military strikes against Iran. The Wall Street Journal reported that this message was conveyed through secret diplomatic channels to countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, and Qatar, which host U.S. military bases.
This development follows heightened tensions between Israel and Iran after an Iranian missile barrage targeted Israel earlier this month. Israel, in response, has pushed for retaliatory strikes on Iran’s nuclear or oil infrastructure, further escalating the conflict. Iran has vowed to retaliate not only against Israel but also against any Arab states facilitating such an attack.
The Gulf nations, concerned about being drawn into a regional conflict, have reportedly communicated to the Biden administration their reluctance to allow their military assets to be used in strikes on Iran. A major concern is the risk of Iran targeting their critical oil infrastructure, which could disrupt global energy supplies and cause oil prices to surge.
The U.S. has responded by imposing new sanctions on Iran’s oil and petrochemical sectors, targeting Iran's "shadow fleet" of ships involved in bypassing sanctions. These sanctions aim to cut off revenue streams that fund Iran’s missile programs and its regional militias.
While Arab states share a common interest in countering Iran’s influence, they are wary of backing a full-scale military confrontation. Any direct involvement in a conflict between Israel and Iran could destabilize the entire region, putting their economies and infrastructure at risk. This situation further complicates their fragile alliances with Israel, as they balance security concerns with the desire to avoid a broader conflict.
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