Allies of US in the Gulf bear brunt of Iran attacks
Allies of US in the Gulf bear brunt of Iran attacks
Over the weekend, the United Arab Emirates faced a barrage of ballistic missiles and drones, with its defense ministry confirming 165 missiles, two cruise missiles, and 541 drones intercepted. These strikes contrasted sharply with the serene skies above Abu Dhabi, where white trails cut across the sand-colored villas and lush gardens. Unlike the usual hum of civilian aircraft, the contrails were from military projectiles launched by Iran, the region’s massive neighbor across the Gulf. The attacks marked a significant escalation in the conflict, which began on Saturday morning.
In Bahrain, a local resident shared a harrowing account of the early hours of Sunday. “I was jolted awake by loud explosions and wailing sirens,” he texted. “It felt like at least 20 hits.” This vivid description highlighted the sudden disruption of daily life, as the focus of Iran’s strikes shifted from military installations to civilian infrastructure. The US Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain had initially been a primary target, but now airports, shopping centers, and high-rise buildings were also under threat, revealing vulnerabilities in the Gulf states’ air defenses.
Iran’s retaliation strategy
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Aragchi, asserted that the country’s attacks were not directed at its neighbors but at the US military presence in the region. “We are targeting the US presence, not our neighbors,” he stated to Al Jazeera. The minister emphasized that Iran’s neighbors should channel their complaints toward the “decision-makers of this war.” However, the damage to civilian sites, including debris from intercepted missiles, suggested a broader campaign of pressure.
The scale of the attacks on airports in Bahrain and the UAE hinted at a deliberate strategy. Iran had previously warned that it would retaliate against any country it deemed complicit in its attacks. While the Gulf states had sought to distance themselves from the US-Israeli conflict, their continued military ties with Washington apparently drew Iran’s ire. The strikes seemed to punish their perceived alignment with the United States, rather than their neutrality.
Historically, Iran was known as “the policeman of the Gulf” under the Shah, a role it has since sought to reclaim. Despite its revolutionary fervor, the country has long aimed to position itself as a guardian of Gulf security. Yet, the recent attacks signaled a shift in Iran’s approach, targeting both military and civilian infrastructure to assert dominance and provoke a response.
While Saudi Arabia and Oman weathered the conflict with fewer casualties, their positions as hosts to US and Western forces placed them in the crosshairs. Saudi Arabia’s government denounced the attacks on Riyadh, calling them “blatant and cowardly.” Oman, meanwhile, endured a drone strike at its Duqm port, a location on the Arabian Sea. These incidents underscored the ongoing tensions and the precarious balance of power in the region.
