As leaders throughout the Middle East expressed their worries regarding the intensifying conflict, the majority refrained from outright condemning the American strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Tehran appears to be increasingly isolated in the region as the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel escalates.
The broader reaction from neighboring Arab nations suggests a hesitance to back the Islamic Republic, even in light of Iran’s bold missile strike on a US installation in Qatar.
Qatar intercepts Iranian missiles and denounces the attack
In response to the American and Israeli airstrikes, Iran launched missiles at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on Monday. Nevertheless, Qatari forces successfully intercepted the missiles and condemned the assault as a violation of their national sovereignty.
Qatar’s statement did not reference the United States, instead emphasizing the infringement of its territorial integrity.
Arab states are cautious, showing quiet support for US strikes
While leaders throughout the Middle East expressed apprehensions regarding the escalating conflict, most refrained from denouncing the American strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Statements from Turkey and Saudi Arabia only conveyed concern, while the United Arab Emirates and Qatar avoided mentioning the United States in their comments—contrasting sharply with their outspoken criticism of Israel’s recent actions.
Hezbollah’s restraint indicates frustration with Iran
The Lebanese militant organization Hezbollah, which has historically served as a significant Iranian proxy, has largely remained on the sidelines during this latest wave of hostilities. Although a statement released on Sunday commended Iran’s resilience, it notably implied that Tehran would address the recent aggression on its own.
“Iran is capable of confronting this aggression and inflicting a severe defeat on the American and Zionist adversary,” Hezbollah stated.
Iran’s influence is waning in Syria and Lebanon
Iran’s backing of groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Assad regime in Syria has typically bolstered its regional power. However, Israel’s effective operations have dismantled much of this proxy network, and Assad’s regime was overthrown last year by Ahmad al-Sharaa.
The newly appointed Syrian leader has subsequently engaged with the Trump administration, indicating a willingness to ease tensions with Israel, which further suggests a decline in Iran’s influence within the region.
Arab leaders are apprehensive about potential retaliation and regional fallout.
Despite a sense of quiet satisfaction regarding Iran’s reduced capabilities, Arab countries remain cautious about becoming targets. Iran has a documented history of retaliatory actions, including the 2019 drone assault by the Houthis on Saudi Aramco facilities and the ballistic missile strikes on US bases in Iraq following the assassination of Qassem Soleimani.
Any Iranian aggression towards Gulf states could potentially involve Washington more deeply in the conflict, as host nations might anticipate military protection from the US.
Concerns regarding regime change persist in the Gulf.
A more assertive US policy, such as advocating for regime change in Iran, could instill fear among Gulf leaders, particularly in countries with significant and restless Shia populations, such as Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
