DUBAI—Tehran is threatening in secret diplomatic backchannels to target the oil-rich Arab Gulf states and other American allies in the Middle East if their territories or airspace are used for an attack on Iran , said Arab officials. The escalating conflict in the Middle East is straining the alignment of Arab states and Israel, which all oppose Iran’s military posture in the region. The Arab countries have said the U.S. forces are allowed to conduct self-defense operations, the officials said. The Arab countries’ requests remain informal, a U.S. defense official said. Earlier this month, Iran’s Mission to the United Nations publicly warned “any country render[ing] assistance” to an Israeli attack “shall likewise be deemed an accomplice and a legitimate target,” but did not provide any specifics.

Source: Wall Street Journal October 11, 2024 14:38 UTC