Arab States Reassure Iran of Neutrality Amid Israel Conflict
Gulf Arab states seek to maintain neutrality as Tehran warns of retaliation if Israeli supporters intervene
Gulf States Affirm Neutral Stance to Iran Amid Israel Tensions
Gulf Arab states sought to reassure Iran of their neutrality in the conflict between Tehran and Israel at meetings in Doha this week, amid concerns that a widespread escalation of violence could threaten their oil facilities, two sources told Reuters.
Ministers from Gulf Arab states and Iran attended a meeting of Asian nations where Qatar’s ministry has reportedly focused their discussions on the conflict.
The Islamic Republic on Tuesday foiled its biggest offensive against Israel, targeting Israel’s veteran Hamas and Hezbollah.
Barring further provocation, Tehran said its attack was over, but Israel vowed a strong response.
US news website Axios reported on Wednesday that Israel may target oil facilities inside Iran in retaliation, citing Israeli officials.
Emergency mitigation was top of the agenda for all discussions at the moment, a source said.
The Qatari Foreign Ministry, the Iranian Foreign Ministry, the United Arab Emirates Foreign Ministry, Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry and the Saudi Government Communications Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Iran has not threatened to attack Gulf oil facilities, but has warned that its interests in the region would be targeted if “Israeli supporters” intervened directly.
“The Gulf states think it is impossible for Iran to attack their oil plants, but the Iranians are dropping hints from unofficial sources. This is a tool for the Iranians against the US and the global economy,” said Saudi commentator Ali Shihabi. The Royal Court, said.
Top oil exporter Saudi Arabia has had a political rapprochement with Tehran in recent years that has helped ease regional tensions, but relations remain strained.
Saudi Arabia has been wary of an Iranian attack on its oil facilities, after a 2019 attack on its main refinery in Abqaiq briefly shut down more than 5 percent of global oil supplies. Iran denies involvement.
“The GCC message to the Iranians is ‘please expand,'” Shihabi said, referring to the Gulf Cooperation Council, which includes the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait.
At the event in Doha, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that Iran was prepared to retaliate and remain calm in the face of Israel’s war.
“Our armed forces will retaliate decisively against any military attack, terrorist activity or violation of our red line,” he said.
