Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are moving closer to backing US and Israeli efforts against Iran as the war nears one month, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The outlet said the recent developments by the Gulf countries have expanded US military options and increased pressure on Iran’s finances, even though neither country has committed its military to the war. According to the article, pressure has been building because Iranian attacks have disrupted the economies of Gulf countries.
According to the report, Saudi Arabia recently agreed to let American forces use King Fahd air base, marking a possible shift from its earlier position that its territory and airspace would not be used for attacks on Iran. The reported change comes as Iran continues missile and drone strikes on Riyadh and Saudi energy facilities.
“Saudi Arabia’s patience with Iranian attacks is not unlimited,” Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan told reporters last week following attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure. “Any belief that Gulf countries are incapable of responding is a miscalculation.”
The Wall Street Journal report noted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s plans to restore deterrence. A decision was said to be near on whether to join the attacks. One source was quoted by the newspaper as saying, “It’s only a matter of time before Saudi Arabia enters the war.”
The UAE was said to have taken steps against Iranian interests. The report noted the government’s closure of Iranian Hospital and Iranian Club in Dubai.
“Certain institutions directly linked to the Iranian regime and IRGC will be closed under targeted measures after being found to have been misused to advance agendas that do not serve the Iranian people, and in violation of U.A.E. law,” government officials were quoted in a statement.
The report added that the UAE warned Tehran it could freeze billions of dollars in Iranian holdings. Recent strikes on energy facilities in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE and Qatar have also pushed Gulf states toward a more unified stance against Iran, while Qatar has condemned the attacks as a threat to its national security.
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