Iran Cautions Oil-Rich US Allies, Warns Them Against Helping Israel In War

Iran has issued a stern warning to its Arab neighbours and US allies in the Gulf, cautioning of severe retaliation if their territories or airspace are used to assist Israel in any potential strikes on Iran, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal.

The warning, delivered through secret diplomatic channels, was directed at oil-rich nations such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Qatar, all of which host US military forces, the report stated.

Photo Credit: PTI

This development follows Israel's vow of a strong reprisal against Tehran after an Iranian ballistic missile attack targeted Israel earlier this month.

Outraged by the assault, Israeli officials have been advocating for retaliatory strikes on Iran's nuclear or oil infrastructure, which they believe are crucial in weakening Tehran's aggressive military stance.

In response, Iran has vowed to retaliate, threatening to target not only Israel's civilian infrastructure but also Arab states that might aid in an Israeli or US-led offensive.

According to the Wall Street Journal, these nations have conveyed to the Biden administration their reluctance to become entangled in a wider conflict by permitting their military assets or airspace to be used for strikes against Iran.

Officials in these Gulf states, rich in energy resources, are concerned that their oil facilities, traditionally viewed as being under US protection, could become prime targets if hostilities escalate.

With one of the world's largest concentrations of American troops stationed in the region, any military engagement could also put US forces in harm's way.

One of the major concerns for Gulf nations is the potential impact on the global oil market if the situation escalates into full-scale conflict.

A war between Israel and Iran could disrupt oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global energy supplies.

Any interruption in the oil flow could cause energy prices to surge, destabilising both the region and global markets.

The WSJ report suggested that Arab leaders, including those from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have vowed to avoid any involvement in potential military strikes against Iran, fearing the repercussions on their oil infrastructure.

In response to the rising tensions, the US has imposed new sanctions on Iran's oil and petrochemical sectors, specifically targeting Iran's so-called "shadow fleet" of ships involved in evading sanctions.

The US Treasury and State Departments identified multiple companies and vessels engaged in the transport of Iranian petroleum, as part of a broader effort to cut off financial support for Iran's missile programmes and regional militias.

"Today's sanctions target Iranian efforts to channel revenues from its energy industry to finance deadly and disruptive activity, including the development of its nuclear programme and ballistic missile proliferation," US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement.

The escalating tensions are further complicating the already delicate alliances between Arab states and Israel.

While these nations share a common interest in countering Iran's influence, they are wary of becoming involved in a direct military confrontation that could engulf the entire region.

Some Arab countries, such as Jordan, have previously cooperated with Israel and the US by intercepting Iranian projectiles aimed at Israel earlier in the year.

However, supporting a full-scale Israeli attack on Iranian soil is viewed as a far more perilous move.