Gulf states fear destructive war if US strikes Iran
Regional leaders worry that renewed US-Israeli attacks could trigger an aggressive Iranian retaliation across the Middle East, according to BusinessLine.
Gulf states fear that a US-Israeli attack on a better-prepared Iran could trigger a more destructive war across the region, according to a BusinessLine report. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, told the IISS Manama Dialogue in Bahrain on Sunday that they are seeking a political off-ramp for the crisis.
President Donald Trump has stated the US and Israel would finish the job in Iran. While he ruled out fresh strikes before the US midterm elections on Tuesday, he has not ruled out future attacks while peace negotiations are stalled.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty told the forum on Saturday that he was extremely worried about fresh hostilities. He said a second round of fighting would be more dangerous and lead to nowhere.
Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei ordered commanders on Saturday to prepare for immediate retaliation without geographical limits. Iranian media on Sunday reported that the military should respond to new attacks without geographic limitations.
Emile Hokayem, director of regional security at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), said Iran is much better prepared for another round of fighting. He noted that Tehran has developed a more sophisticated military strategy.
The conflict has impacted regional economies, with the International Monetary Fund predicting Saudi Arabia’s economy will shrink 3.3 per cent this year. Steeper contractions are expected in Kuwait and Qatar.