Israel-Iran war: Saudi, UAE backed THIS country to win – shocking twist

Israel-Iran Conflict: Gulf Nations' Uneasy Silence and Strategic Doubts

During the recent Israel-Iran conflict, many expected Muslim-majority nations in the Middle East to unite against Israel and its Western allies. But contrary to expectations, most Gulf countries remained silent spectators—even after Israel’s targeted killing of senior Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists on June 13.

Why Are Gulf Countries Hesitant About Iran?

Tensions between Iran and the Gulf states date back to 1979, when Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini pledged to spread Iran’s Islamic revolution across the region. Gulf monarchies viewed this as a direct threat to their regimes. Over the decades, ideological and sectarian divisions—Sunni versus Shia—have further strained ties.

According to Asia Times, Iran's neighbors have long seen it as a destabilizing force in the region. However, this hostility has recently evolved into unease, as Gulf states suspect the U.S. and Israel of pushing for regime change in Tehran—an outcome that could also bring instability to their own borders.

The War Moves Closer to the Gulf

Iran’s retaliatory strikes on U.S. military bases in Qatar and Iraq have drawn the Gulf region uncomfortably close to the conflict. Several countries temporarily shut down their airspace, while Qatar issued a stern warning, reserving its right to respond proportionally to any Iranian aggression.

Yet, despite these tensions, there’s little clarity on how involved the Gulf countries might get if hostilities continue to escalate. Their silence suggests a strategic balancing act—fearing both Iranian expansionism and the fallout from any Western-backed regime change.

In essence, Gulf countries appear caught in a geopolitical dilemma—torn between historical distrust of Iran and the risks of getting dragged into a full-scale regional war.