Iran has issued a stark warning to its Arab neighbours and US allies in the Gulf, threatening severe retaliation if their territories or airspace are used to assist Israel in any potential strikes on Iran.
The warning, reported by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), was conveyed through secret diplomatic channels and directed at nations like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Jordan, and Qatar, all of which host US military forces.
This development follows heightened tensions after Iran launched a ballistic missile attack on Israel earlier this month.
Israel has vowed a strong response, with officials pushing for retaliatory strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear or oil infrastructure, which are viewed as critical to curbing Tehran’s military actions.
In response, Iran has threatened to strike Israel’s civilian infrastructure, as well as Arab states that may assist in any military operations against it.
According to the WSJ, Gulf states have communicated to the Biden administration their reluctance to be drawn into a larger conflict.
These nations fear that using their military bases or airspace for strikes against Iran could expose their oil facilities to retaliation. With the Gulf region hosting a high concentration of US military personnel, the potential for significant risk to American troops has also raised concerns.
A vital issue for these energy-rich states is the potential impact on global oil markets if the conflict escalates.
A war between Israel and Iran could disrupt oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for global energy supplies. Any disruption could drive up energy prices and destabilise global markets.
As a result, countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE have reportedly pledged to avoid involvement in military strikes on Iran, fearing the repercussions for their oil infrastructure.
In response to these escalating tensions, the US has imposed new sanctions on Iran’s oil and petrochemical sectors, specifically targeting Iran’s “shadow fleet” of ships involved in evading existing sanctions.
The US Treasury and State Departments have designated multiple companies and vessels tied to the transport of Iranian oil, part of a broader strategy to cut off funding for Iran’s missile programs and regional militias.
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen emphasised that the sanctions aim to prevent Iranian energy revenues from supporting destabilising activities.
These growing tensions are testing the fragile alliances between Israel and Arab states. While both share a common interest in countering Iranian influence, many Arab nations are hesitant to back full-scale Israeli military action.
Earlier this year, Jordan cooperated with Israel to intercept Iranian projectiles aimed at Israeli territory.
However, supporting a direct strike on Iranian soil is considered far more dangerous, with the potential to spark a broader regional conflict.
