New Delhi:
Iran has issued a stern warning to its Arab neighbors in the Gulf region and U.S. allies, threatening to use their territory or airspace to support Israel in a possible attack on Iran, the Wall Street Journal reported. threatened severe retaliation if this was used. The warning was conveyed through secret diplomatic channels and targeted oil-rich countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Qatar, all of which host U.S. troops, the WSJ reported. .
This comes after Israel vowed harsh retaliation against Tehran following a barrage of Iranian ballistic missiles targeting Israel earlier this month. Infuriated by the attack, Israeli officials are pushing for retaliatory strikes against Iran’s nuclear and oil infrastructure, which they see as crucial to weakening Iran’s aggressive military posture. Iran has vowed to fight back, threatening Israeli civilian infrastructure and Arab states that could facilitate Israeli or U.S.-led attacks.
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According to the WSJ, these countries have told the Biden administration that they do not want to become embroiled in a broader conflict by allowing their military infrastructure and airspace to be used for attacks against Iran. Officials in these energy-rich Gulf states have warned that their oil facilities, traditionally seen as under U.S. protection, could become prime targets if hostilities escalate. I am concerned that there is. The region has one of the highest concentrations of U.S. forces in the world, and any military action could put them at grave risk.
One of the major concerns for Gulf states is the potential impact on global oil markets if the conflict escalates. A full-scale war between Israel and Iran could disrupt oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz, a key barrier to global energy supplies. Disruptions to oil flows could lead to soaring energy prices and destabilize regional and global markets. According to the WSJ, Arab leaders, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have pledged not to engage in any potential military attack against Iran, fearing the impact on their oil infrastructure.
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In response to rising tensions, the United States imposed new sanctions on Iran’s oil and petrochemical industries, specifically targeting Iran’s so-called “shadow fleet” involved in sanctions evasion. The U.S. Treasury and State Department have designated multiple companies and vessels involved in transporting Iranian oil as part of a broader effort to cut off the financial lifelines supporting Iran’s missile program and regional militias.
“Today’s sanctions address Iran’s efforts to divert revenues from its energy industry to fund its deadly and destructive activities, including its nuclear program and ballistic missile proliferation,” Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement. are targeted.”
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The rising tensions are further complicating the already fragile alliance between Arab states and Israel. These countries share a desire to counter Iranian influence, but are wary of becoming drawn into a direct military conflict that could involve the entire region. Some Arab countries, such as Jordan, have previously cooperated with Israel and the United States, including shooting down an Iranian projectile heading toward Israel earlier this year. However, supporting a full-scale Israeli attack on Iranian territory is seen as a far more dangerous proposition.
