June 22, 2025, 2:11 p.m. ET
In the wake of the recent U.S. attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, Gulf Arab states have conveyed their concern without outright condemning their key ally, the United States. On Sunday, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry emphasized the need for de-escalation, voicing deep concern over the latest developments in the region.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry released a statement that refrained from mentioning the U.S. specifically, expressing regret over the heightening tensions caused by the strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. This sentiment contrasts sharply with Qatar's firmer stance from the previous day, when its prime minister directly criticized Israel's actions against Iran, labeling them a violation of Iran’s sovereignty.
Other Gulf nations, including Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, also expressed their worry about the airstrikes without directly attributing the actions to the U.S. Kuwait noted its "deep concern" over the bombings, while the UAE described its apprehensions as "profound."
The fossil-fuel-rich nations in the Gulf harbor significant U.S. military personnel, making them potential targets for Iranian responses to what they perceive as American aggression. In a statement from the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, Iranian officials ominously mentioned that American bases represent vulnerabilities rather than strengths, suggesting possible retaliation tactics.
As these nations navigate the delicate balance of supporting an ally while addressing their security concerns, the situation remains tense with the potential for escalation looming in the region.
In the wake of the recent U.S. attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, Gulf Arab states have conveyed their concern without outright condemning their key ally, the United States. On Sunday, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry emphasized the need for de-escalation, voicing deep concern over the latest developments in the region.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry released a statement that refrained from mentioning the U.S. specifically, expressing regret over the heightening tensions caused by the strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. This sentiment contrasts sharply with Qatar's firmer stance from the previous day, when its prime minister directly criticized Israel's actions against Iran, labeling them a violation of Iran’s sovereignty.
Other Gulf nations, including Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, also expressed their worry about the airstrikes without directly attributing the actions to the U.S. Kuwait noted its "deep concern" over the bombings, while the UAE described its apprehensions as "profound."
The fossil-fuel-rich nations in the Gulf harbor significant U.S. military personnel, making them potential targets for Iranian responses to what they perceive as American aggression. In a statement from the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, Iranian officials ominously mentioned that American bases represent vulnerabilities rather than strengths, suggesting possible retaliation tactics.
As these nations navigate the delicate balance of supporting an ally while addressing their security concerns, the situation remains tense with the potential for escalation looming in the region.
