Doha (diplomat.so) - Gulf Arab nations reassured Iran of their neutrality in the escalating conflict between Tehran and Israel during high-level meetings held in Doha this week. Sources close to the discussions revealed that the talks were driven by fears of a wider regional escalation that could potentially endanger critical oil facilities across the Gulf.
The discussions, part of a broader meeting of Asian nations hosted by Qatar, focused heavily on de-escalation efforts. Iran had launched its largest military offensive against Israel on Tuesday, citing retaliation for Israel's assassination of senior Hamas and Hezbollah leaders and its ongoing military operations in Gaza and Lebanon. Tehran stated that the assault had concluded, but warned that further provocation would prompt additional action, while Israel vowed a strong counterstrike.
Concerns have grown over the potential for Israeli retaliation targeting Iran's oil production facilities, as reported by U.S. news outlet Axios. Meanwhile, Gulf states have urged Iran to maintain calm and avoid any moves that could destabilize the region. Ali Shihabi, a Saudi commentator with close ties to the Royal Court, noted that while the Gulf states doubted Iran would directly target their oil facilities, Tehran had signaled through unofficial channels that it might retaliate if external powers intervened.
Despite recent diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions, including Saudi Arabia’s rapprochement with Iran, Gulf states remain cautious. The 2019 attack on Saudi Arabia's Abqaiq refinery, which temporarily disrupted global oil supplies, continues to weigh heavily on their concerns. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, speaking in Doha, warned that Iran would respond decisively to any aggression, underscoring the fragile situation in the region.
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