Gulf states brace for a stronger Iranian attack

Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates fear that Tehran could launch wider retaliatory strikes if US and Israeli attacks against Iran continue.

TodayPress TV reports, citing foreign media, that Gulf countries are concerned Iran could inflict more severe damage on the region’s energy facilities and other critical infrastructure than in previous rounds of fighting.

A UAE official said the region was facing a deepening crisis that it was trying to prevent. According to the official, the way out lies in intensifying diplomatic negotiations.

These concerns have grown following an order by Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei instructing the armed forces to prepare for a wider war without geographical limits if the military confrontation with the United States and Israel continues.

Iran has been targeting sites hosting US military forces in the region while also launching strikes against Gulf countries. Qatar and other states are seeking to revive diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran.

Their main objective is to prevent further escalation and limit the economic damage their countries could suffer if military operations continue.

An animated map circulating online shows Gulf countries on high alert amid the possibility that fighting could resume.

Jala Rovshan