Gulf Nations Urge Diplomacy Amid U.S. Military Action Against Iran

Amid rising tensions following U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, Gulf Arab countries have voiced their concerns while maintaining a supportive stance toward the United States.

 

In a tense geopolitical climate, Gulf Arab countries hosting U.S. military bases have publicly expressed their apprehensions following recent American airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. Although they conveyed their worries, they notably refrained from directly criticizing the United States, which remains a vital ally in the region.

The Saudi Arabian Foreign Ministry urged a move toward de-escalation and cautious engagement, reflecting a cautious diplomatic tone among its neighbors. Qatar's Foreign Ministry echoed this sentiment with a carefully worded statement lamenting the escalation of hostilities, though it made no explicit reference to the U.S. actions. This was a stark contrast to a previous declaration where Qatar’s prime minister openly condemned Israeli airstrikes against Iran, labeling them as violations of sovereignty.

Meanwhile, both Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates articulated their "deep concern" regarding the bombing of Iranian sites without specifically mentioning the United States. The military presence of the U.S. in oil-rich Gulf nations leads to fears over potential Iranian retaliation, especially toward American bases that play a critical role in both regional security and global energy resources.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps responded with a stern warning, claiming that American installations in the Gulf were vulnerabilities rather than strengths, heightening the stakes in this ongoing conflict. As the situation progresses, the Gulf Cooperation Council nations are carefully navigating their positions in the evolving dynamic of U.S.-Iran relations, hoping to avert further escalation while maintaining strategic partnerships.