In a bid to prevent a broader regional conflict, Gulf states are urging Washington to intervene and halt Israel’s plans to target Iran’s oil facilities, according to three sources with knowledge of the matter.
Fearing retaliation from Tehran’s allies, particularly against their own oil infrastructure, countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar have voiced concerns about being drawn into the conflict.
The Gulf nations have taken concrete steps to avoid being caught in the crossfire, refusing Israel the use of their airspace for any military strikes on Iran, a stance that has been communicated to US officials.
Their concerns stem from escalating tensions, with Israel vowing retaliation after a recent missile attack by Iran, while Tehran has warned that any counterstrike would lead to significant destruction.
These diplomatic efforts come as Iran seeks to leverage its ties with its Sunni Gulf neighbours, urging them to use their influence with Washington to avert any military escalation.
The situation has raised alarms across the region, with fears growing that a broader war could involve not only Israel and Iran but also the United States.
With the prospect of Israeli strikes on Iran’s critical oil infrastructure, the Gulf states find themselves balancing their own security interests while trying to prevent the situation from spiraling into a larger conflict that could destabilise the entire region.
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