According to the Wall Street Journal, Gulf countries led by Saudi Arabia have opposed any US military strike on Iran. Reports indicate that Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman have warned the United States that attacking Iran could destabilize the global oil market, which would also adversely affect the US economy.
While these Arab nations appear silent publicly, the newspaper notes that they are quietly lobbying to prevent a US attack, emphasizing that such action would deliver a severe shock to the oil markets and, consequently, to global economic stability.
Saudi officials have reportedly assured Tehran that they will not become involved in any confrontation with Iran and will not allow the US to use their airspace for a strike. This step is being taken both to distance themselves from a potential conflict and to discourage US military action.
The Wall Street Journal highlighted that Gulf states are concerned about disruptions to tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway at the entrance to the Persian Gulf, which separates Iran from its Arab neighbors. Approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes through this strategic chokepoint.
Read More: US may intervene militarily in Iran within 24 hours amid rising regional tensions: Reuters
While the Trump administration has not publicly specified the type of military action being considered, officials believe the possibility of a strike remains high. A White House official told the newspaper that President Trump has all options on the table for addressing the situation in Iran, listens to multiple viewpoints, but ultimately makes his own decision.
Recently, Trump directly addressed Iranian protesters, urging them to resist government attempts to suppress protests and to seize control of state institutions. On his social media platform Truth Social, he wrote: “HELP IS ON ITS WAY.”
