Gulf States Call for U.S. Intervention to Prevent Israeli Attacks on Iranian Oil Facilities

Gulf countries are pressuring the U.S. and Israel to avoid attacks on Iranian oil facilities, fearing retaliation against their own oil infrastructure. Iran has warned Saudi Arabia that it cannot ensure the safety of Saudi oil sites if Israel strikes Iran, and Saudi Arabia has refused to let Israel use its airspace for such attacks.

Key Concerns:

• GCC countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, are alarmed by Israel’s threats to target Iran's energy and military sites.
• The U.S. is working to prevent Israel from attacking Iranian oil facilities to avoid escalating tensions in the region.
• Gulf nations fear retaliatory attacks on their oil facilities, similar to the 2019 Aramco drone strikes, which disrupted 5% of global oil supplies.

Diplomatic Efforts:

• Saudi Arabia is engaging with Iran to demonstrate neutrality in the conflict. Recent talks have involved high-level meetings between Saudi and Iranian officials.
• Iran has warned Gulf countries that allowing Israeli use of their airspace for strikes would be considered an act of war.

Regional Stance:

• Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar have refused to allow Israeli aircraft or missiles to pass through their airspace.
• These Gulf states are distancing themselves from Israel to avoid being dragged into conflict, especially amid growing tensions following the Gaza war.

Oil Market Impact:

• OPEC has the capacity to compensate for lost Iranian oil, but attacks on Saudi or UAE oil sites could destabilize global markets further.
• Gulf nations are hopeful that their diplomatic efforts will keep their oil facilities safe from potential attacks.

Source: Reuters