An “high-ranking” Israeli source revealed to the American channel “Al-Hurra” that several Gulf states have expressed their support for Israel’s anticipated military strike against Iran. This action comes as a response to the missile attacks launched by Tehran against “Tel Aviv” earlier this month.
The source mentioned that these Gulf countries sent messages to Israel, emphasizing the necessity for a firm and clear response to Iran. Furthermore, Israel has received requests from Gulf states to be informed of the timing of the anticipated retaliation, enabling them to “take precautions in case of a counterattack.”
According to “Al-Hurra,” several Arab and Gulf countries have expressed their “appreciation and support for the recent Israeli strikes in Syria and Lebanon.” They also commended the assassination of the commander of the Quds Force in Syria, Mohammad Reza Zahidi, and the Secretary-General of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah.
Sources from “Al-Hurra” indicated that the Israeli occupation views its response to the recent Iranian attack as a “decisive opportunity to demonstrate its strength in the Middle East and counter both direct and indirect threats from Tehran.”
In a related context, the “Wall Street Journal” earlier this month reported that U.S. allies in the region were cautioned and advised against assisting Israel in striking Iranian territories, warning that they could be targeted next.
The newspaper added that Iran, through secret diplomatic channels, threatened to attack the oil facilities of Gulf states and other U.S. allies in the Middle East if they allowed their airspace or territories to be used for an Israeli strike against Iran. These threats were reportedly conveyed by Arab officials.
The countries threatened by Iran include Jordan, the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, each hosting U.S. military forces and bases. These states informed the Biden administration that they do not wish for their infrastructure and oil facilities to be destroyed.
On the other hand, CNN reported that Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar conveyed to the United States and Iran that they would not permit Israel to use their airspace for an attack on Iran.
These developments come amid rising regional anticipation of a potential Israeli military offensive against Iran. This speculation has been accompanied by two regional tours conducted by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to several neighboring countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman, to discuss the latest developments in the region.
The potential objectives of the Israeli occupation’s attack continue to be a topic of frequent discussion in media reports, with possible scenarios ranging from strikes on nuclear facilities to targeting oil infrastructure in Iran. Concerns persist over an escalation by “Israel” as tensions rise.
Earlier this October, Iran launched a missile attack on the Israeli occupation, firing over 200 ballistic missiles in retaliation for the assassination of Hezbollah’s Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah and Revolutionary Guards commander Abbas Nilforoushan, during an Israeli airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs on September 27.
The missile attack was also a response to the assassination of the late, elected Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh, during a visit to the Iranian capital, Tehran, at the end of July.
The Israeli military has pledged a significant offensive against Iran in response to the latest missile attack, while Tehran affirmed its resolve to retaliate with even greater force if “Israel” proceeds with any further actions of reprisal.
