Gulf states prepared for Iran response but urge de-escalation: Analysis скачать в хорошем качестве

Gulf states prepared for Iran response but urge de-escalation: Analysis

US and Israeli forces launched major aerial strikes on Iran targeting leadership and military sites, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior officials, triggering swift retaliatory attacks by Tehran across the Gulf. Iran’s missile and drone strikes have hit shipping routes, oil tankers and commercial ports, raising fears of wider regional escalation. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Alanoud Hamad Saud Al Thani, political analyst and fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, said Gulf states may have expected a swift Iranian response but not its breadth, though they were militarily prepared. She noted that while the GCC can intercept missiles and defend its airspace, prolonged conflict would put economic and social pressures on the region. Alanoud argued that Israel’s wider objective appeared to be to draw the region into conflict, suggesting Iran walked into a “trap” with its broad retaliation. She stressed that Gulf states prefer de-escalation and will keep all strategic options open rather than provoke further violence. On potential “red lines”, she said Gulf states are exercising patience but warned that continued targeting of civilian infrastructure could test that restraint. Alanoud rejected the idea that hosting US bases reflects weakness, calling such partnerships a matter of sovereignty, not external pressure, and said Qatar would continue to pursue dialogue where possible. Subscribe to our channel: http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe Follow us on X:   / ajenglish   Find us on Facebook:   / aljazeera   Check our website: http://www.aljazeera.com/ Check out our Instagram page:   / aljazeeraenglish   Download AJE Mobile App: https://aje.news/AJEMobile #USIsraelIranAttack #IranRetaliation #USBasesTargeted #IranWar #IranianRevolutionaryGuard #USIranEscalation #GulfCrisis #GCCDefense #StraitOfHormuz #GlobalOilSupply