Gulf States Condemn Iranian Missile Strikes Amid Rising Regional Tensions
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — In the wake of a series of Iranian missile strikes targeting U.S. military installations and allied territories across the Gulf region, several Arab nations have issued strong condemnations, warning Tehran that they reserve the right to defend their sovereignty amid escalating hostilities. The strikes came as retaliation for a coordinated U.S.-Israeli operation aimed at Iran’s leadership, which has dramatically intensified tensions in an already volatile region.
According to reports, Iran launched approximately 40 missiles, striking locations in Israel and several Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates. The attacks also targeted U.S. military bases in the Gulf, excluding those in Oman, where diplomatic efforts to mediate the crisis had been underway. The U.S. Department of State confirmed that while the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Bahrain was hit, no casualties were reported. Additionally, U.S. forces in Iraq successfully intercepted at least one missile aimed at their installations.
The Omani foreign minister had recently engaged in shuttle diplomacy, traveling to Washington to meet with Vice President JD Vance in an effort to prevent the conflict from spiraling further. Oman’s role as a mediator underscores the delicate balance Gulf states are trying to maintain amid the fallout from the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes.
Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates publicly condemned the Iranian missile strikes. These nations emphasized their right to self-defense and warned that they would respond decisively to any future aggression. Saudi Arabia, hosting advanced U.S. fighter squadrons, underscored the threat posed by Iran’s actions to regional stability and security.
The U.S. Department of Defense has been closely monitoring the situation, with officials confirming the interception of missiles and assessing the damage to allied facilities. The Pentagon has reiterated its commitment to protecting U.S. personnel and interests in the region.
Meanwhile, Israel faced a barrage of missile attacks as part of Iran’s retaliatory campaign. Israeli defense forces intercepted many of the incoming projectiles, though the scale of the assault marked one of the most intense exchanges in recent years. The joint U.S.-Israeli operation, described by some analysts as a “sophisticated air campaign,” targeted key figures within Iran’s leadership, including the reported killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a development that has sent shockwaves through the geopolitical landscape.
As the conflict unfolds, the United Nations Security Council has called for restraint and dialogue, urging all parties to avoid further escalation. However, the rapid sequence of attacks and counterattacks suggests the potential for a broader regional confrontation.
Amid the turmoil, Gulf states are also grappling with the humanitarian and economic repercussions of the strikes. The fire at a hotel in Dubai, reportedly caused by one of the Iranian missiles, highlights the risks to civilian infrastructure and the broader population.
With diplomatic channels strained and military tensions rising, the Gulf region stands at a precarious crossroads. The international community continues to watch closely as Gulf nations assert their sovereignty and prepare to respond to any further provocations from Tehran.
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