Saudi Arabia is reportedly preparing to take a more active role in the conflict against Iran, considering launching military strikes as Tehran persists in its hostilities toward Gulf nations.
According to a report from Ynet News, an Israeli news outlet, various Gulf states have begun to bolster their support for the United States in carrying out airstrikes and implementing measures aimed at destabilising Iran’s economy. However, as of now, no ground troops have been deployed.
In a notable departure from its historically neutral stance, Saudi Arabia has granted permission for U.S. forces to utilise the King Fahd Air Base for potential strikes targeting Iranian positions.
This decision comes as a direct reaction to a series of Iranian missile and drone attacks that have targeted Saudi energy facilities, prompting heightened security concerns. Additionally, alerts were activated in Bahrain and Kuwait overnight, signalling a broader regional threat.
The Wall Street Journal has reported that U.S. allies in the Persian Gulf are increasingly taking a proactive stance in response to ongoing Iranian aggression, which poses significant risks to their economies and gives Tehran considerable leverage over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital conduit for global oil supplies.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is nearing a decision to join the attacks on Iran. “It is only a matter of time before the kingdom enters the war,” a source told Ynet News.
Saudi Arabia has issued a warning that its patience is wearing thin regarding Iranian attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure. Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan stated that any assumption that Gulf states will not respond is “mistaken.”
In the meantime, the United Arab Emirates has begun targeting assets linked to Iran and is considering the deployment of military forces. The UAE opposes any ceasefire that would leave parts of Iran’s military capabilities intact.
Authorities in Dubai have recently closed the Iranian Hospital and the Iranian Club, labelling them as institutions directly associated with the Iranian government and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. These closures are part of targeted measures against Tehran-linked interests.
These actions indicate a hardening of positions among Gulf states as the conflict in the Middle East escalates, with both Riyadh and Abu Dhabi issuing strong warnings to Tehran.
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has said that diplomatic discussions with Iran are still underway and expressed optimism about the potential for a deal. However, officials in Tehran have countered his assertions, denying that any active negotiations are underway at this time.
