As tensions rise over a potential Israeli attack, Iran is actively seeking support from Gulf nations, according to a report by Reuters. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar are lobbying Washington to prevent any actions from Israel.
On Thursday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that Iran is reaching out to Gulf countries to help de-escalate the situation.
Diplomatic sources told The National that the Iranian visit aims to strengthen Iran’s position in the ongoing conflict and avert a broader regional war.
Three unnamed sources from the Gulf shared with Reuters that Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar are worried Israel might target Iranian oil facilities. They also fear that Iranian forces or their proxies could attack Gulf assets.
All three Gulf states have refused to allow Israel to use their airspace. Earlier this week, Iran warned Riyadh that it could not ensure the safety of Saudi oil facilities if Israel were to launch an attack.
“The Iranians have made it clear: if the Gulf states open their airspace to Israel, that would be considered an act of war,” a Saudi analyst close to the royal court told Reuters.
On Monday, reports from Israeli officials suggested that a significant counterattack against Iran is still planned. This could include strikes on Iranian military sites, intelligence centers, and the offices of Iranian officials. President Biden has cautioned against attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities and has recently backed off from targeting energy and oil sites.
Experts warn that a full-scale conflict between Israel and Iran could disrupt international energy supplies and negatively impact the global economy. “A major disruption of regional oil and gas exports would likely have a significant impact on the global economy,” said Farzan Sabet, a senior research associate at the Geneva Graduate Institute, in a statement to RFE/RL on Wednesday.
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