The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel has put Gulf Arab states in a precarious situation. On one hand, they face the risk of US displeasure due to their proximity to Iran, and on the other, they may have to deal with the potential consequences of Iran’s possible retaliation. According to reports, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have admitted that nearly 40% of the missiles and drones launched since the conflict began were aimed at Israel. Over 2,000 missiles and drones have been fired at Gulf states so far.
Analysts believe that Iran’s goal is to distance the Gulf states from Washington, while the US and Israel are using these attacks to pressure the Arab governments to join the war. Iran’s Supreme Leader’s advisor, Kamal Kharazi, has stated that the attacks on Gulf states will continue until they pressure US President Donald Trump to withdraw from the war. The conflict between Iran, the US, and Israel has entered its second week, with both sides escalating their attacks.
US Senator Lindsey Graham has also put pressure on Gulf allies, warning that if they do not join the war against Iran, the US may reassess its defense commitment to them. The Gulf states are hesitant to directly join the war, fearing that the long-term consequences of doing so would be severe. An Emirati official has stated that Iran is a permanent neighbor in the region and that they will eventually have to restore relations. Analysts also believe that the Gulf states are concerned that the US may withdraw its troops from the region in the future, leaving Iran as their permanent neighbor.
The ongoing conflict has also affected the global energy market, with the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway connecting the Gulf to the world’s oil markets, experiencing a significant decrease in oil shipments. Qatar Energy has also suspended some of its gas projects, leading to a 50% increase in gas prices in Europe. Qatar’s Energy Minister has warned that if the conflict continues, global oil prices could reach $150 per barrel.
In recent days, Iran’s Qeshm Island has been attacked, with Iran retaliating by targeting a desalination plant in Bahrain. This has raised concerns about the safety of water supply systems in the Gulf states, which are responsible for nearly half of the world’s desalination capacity. Analysts believe that the Gulf states are hesitant to directly join the war, but may find it difficult to maintain a neutral stance if the attacks continue.
Despite the challenges, there has been no significant disruption to public services in the region. According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health, 106 children and 65 women have been killed in the conflict. Iran’s government has stated that 43,000 homes have been destroyed, with 36,500 of them being residential units. The 15-day toll of US and Israeli attacks on Iran has revealed the human cost of the conflict.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has also affected Pakistan, with the country experiencing a gasoline crisis due to the conflict. This is the second time the country has faced a gasoline crisis since the conflict began. In Baghdad, the US embassy has been attacked for the second time since the conflict started.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on Pakistan and Afghanistan to pursue peace talks to resolve their differences. China has vowed to continue playing an active role in reducing tensions between the two countries. The ongoing conflict has also affected the Gaza Strip, with a sandstorm exacerbating the already dire situation for Palestinians.
In a related development, the US has launched a major operation against Iran’s naval forces in the Persian Gulf, with the country’s navy destroying several Iranian naval ships. The operation has been dubbed “Operation Freedom’s Fury.” The US has also warned that it will continue to take military action against Iran’s naval forces if necessary. Iranian officials have confirmed that the country’s Revolutionary Guards have been involved in several attacks on US and Israeli targets in the region.
In other news, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has formally reprimanded Pakistani batsman Salman Ali Agha for violating the code of conduct, fining him one demerit point. Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has announced that the government will implement austerity measures to reduce the salaries of government employees, with cuts ranging from 5% to 30%. The measures are aimed at providing relief to the public. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that bats
