US allies in the Persian Gulf are adjusting their strategies amidst escalating tensions with Iran, as recent assaults on military bases and energy infrastructure push them toward a more active role in the conflict.
Although both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates initially expressed a desire to remain neutral, they are now preparing to bolster America’s air force efforts and launch an offensive against Tehran’s economic resources, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal.
This shift in approach is seen as a direct response to Iran’s persistent aggressions against these nations. Gulf leaders hope their involvement will not only retaliate against Iran’s provocations but also undermine Tehran’s influence in the Middle East.
In light of Iran’s aggressive actions targeting Saudi Arabia’s capital and vital energy sectors, Saudi Arabia has reportedly allowed American forces access to its King Fahd air base on the Arabian Peninsula, insiders revealed to the WSJ.
Previously, Saudi Arabia had declared its bases off-limits for launching attacks against Iran, aiming to maintain a stance of non-involvement. However, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is now considering a more engaged participation in the conflict, the outlet suggests.
“Saudi Arabia’s patience with Iranian attacks is not unlimited,” emphasized Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan to reporters, following the recent hostilities from Tehran.
“Any belief that Gulf countries are incapable of responding is a miscalculation,” he added.
The UAE, which also saw its energy facilities hit, has made its own moves to crack down on Iranian-owned assets while discussing whether to join the fight themselves.
The UAE recently shutdown the Iranian Hospital and Iranian Club in Dubai, with Abu Dhabi warning that could freeze billions of dollars of Iranian holdings due to the attacks, WSJ reported.
“Certain institutions directly linked to the Iranian regime and IRGC will be closed under targeted measures after being found to have been misused to advance agendas that do not serve the Iranian people, and in violation of U.A.E. law,” the government said in a statement.
Such a move would threaten a key lifeline for Tehran, whose economy continues to suffer under inflation and sanctions.
Along with the airstrikes, the Gulf states could be forced to make a move against Iran after the Islamic republic signaled that it wanted sole control over the Strait of Hormuz.
The strait serves as a key trade route in the region that oversees the transport of 20% of the world’s oil supply, with Iran keeping the waterway shutdown to anyone it deems an enemy.
Tehran informed its Arab neighbors that it wanted full control of the strait and to charge tolls, as Egypt does with the Suez Canal, sources told the WSJ.
The Gulf states, however, also face the risk that going to war with Iran could create a prolonged conflict that would sow chaos across the region.
The countries might also find themselves without allies if President Trump were to decide to withdraw from the war, leaving them alone with a hostile neighbor.
