Gulf States Urge US to Block Israeli Attack on Iran’s Oil Facilities
Fear of Retaliation Drives Gulf Nations to Deny Airspace for Israeli Strikes
Gulf states are pressuring Washington to prevent Israel from launching attacks on Iran’s oil infrastructure, fearing that Tehran’s proxies could retaliate by targeting their own oil facilities if tensions escalate, three Gulf sources informed Reuters.
In an effort to avoid being drawn into the conflict, Gulf nations such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar have refused to allow Israeli aircraft to use their airspace for any strikes on Iran and have communicated this stance to Washington, according to the sources familiar with government discussions.
Israel has vowed to retaliate against Iran for its recent missile attack, while Tehran has warned that any Israeli response would result in massive destruction, sparking concerns of a broader regional conflict that could involve the United States.
The Gulf states’ actions follow Iran’s diplomatic efforts to persuade its Sunni neighbors to use their influence with Washington, amid growing fears that Israel may target Iran’s oil facilities.
In meetings this week, Iranian officials cautioned Saudi Arabia that it could not ensure the security of the kingdom’s oil assets if it provided any assistance to Israel in conducting an attack, according to a senior Iranian official and a diplomat who spoke to Reuters.
Ali Shihabi, a Saudi analyst with close ties to the royal court, stated: “The Iranians have made it clear: ‘If Gulf states open their airspace to Israel, it will be considered an act of war’.”
Follow us on our social media platforms here: Twitter WHATSAPP CHANNEL FACEBOOK PAGE
