Allies of US in the Gulf bear brunt of Iran attacks
Allies of US in the Gulf bear brunt of Iran attacks
Gulf Allies Face Iranian Missile Attacks
Above Abu Dhabi’s skyline, white contrails cut through the sky, tracing paths over sand-streaked villas and irrigated gardens. These streaks, however, are not from commercial airliners carrying tourists or guest workers. They originate from ballistic missiles launched by Iran, the UAE’s massive neighbor to the south. By Sunday afternoon, the UAE’s defense ministry reported intercepting 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles, and 541 drones. In Bahrain, a local resident recounted waking to the sound of explosions and blaring sirens, estimating around 20 impacts with at least two confirmed hits.
Denial and Strategic Intent
Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Aragchi, asserted that the nation’s strikes were aimed at U.S. military presence, not its Gulf neighbors. “We are not attacking our neighbors in the Persian Gulf countries,” he told Al Jazeera, “we are targeting the U.S. footprint. Neighbors should direct their grievances to the decision-makers of this war.”
Civilian Infrastructure Under Threat
While some damage to civilian sites stems from missile debris, others suggest deliberate targeting. Airports, hotels, and commercial hubs in the UAE and Bahrain have become unintended casualties, highlighting gaps in the region’s air defense systems. These facilities were not designed for missile warfare, yet they now face sporadic strikes.
Historical Context of Iran’s Role
Before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran was dubbed “the policeman of the Gulf” under the shah. Since then, it has sought to reclaim that role, positioning itself as the guardian of the Persian Gulf—known to Arabs as the Arabian Gulf. Despite efforts to sway Gulf states into replacing U.S. military influence, conservative monarchies have resisted, viewing Iran’s revolutionary zeal as a threat.
Gulf States’ Military Alliance with the US
The current conflict has exposed the vulnerabilities of the Gulf’s long-standing alliance with Washington. Countries like Saudi Arabia and Oman, which have hosted U.S. forces for years, have fared better than others. Oman, in particular, endured a drone strike on its Duqm port, a strategic point on the Arabian Sea. Meanwhile, Riyadh was reportedly targeted on Saturday, prompting a sharp condemnation from Saudi officials.
Retaliation and Precedent
Though this assault marks a significant escalation, it is not the first time Iran has targeted its neighbors. In 2019, Iranian-backed groups in Iraq launched drone strikes against Saudi Aramco’s oil facilities, disrupting production. Last June, ballistic missiles hit Qatar’s al-Udaid airbase, though Iran warned of the attack beforehand. These incidents underscore a pattern: retaliation against perceived U.S.-led aggression, even when directed at allied nations.
