Tehran has issued a stern warning to Gulf Arab states, declaring it "unacceptable" for any of them to allow the use of their airspace or military bases for attacks against Iran. Iran's message to Gulf states stresses the need for regional unity against Israel and highlights that any collaboration with Israel, including the use of airspace, would be seen as a hostile action. The Iranian official noted that discussions with Gulf states have not yet touched on the issue of oil production, despite concerns that Israel could target Iranian oil facilities in a retaliatory strike. However, the 2019 attack on Saudi oil facilities, which briefly disrupted 5% of global oil supply, remains a fresh reminder of the volatility in the region. A Western diplomat in the Gulf noted that during last week's meeting between Gulf states and Iran in Qatar, Tehran urged regional neutrality and emphasised that Gulf states’ neutrality was the "bare minimum" expected.

Source: The Express Tribune October 10, 2024 21:24 UTC