New Delhi:

Iran has issued a stark warning to its Arab neighbors and US allies in the Gulf, threatening severe retaliation if their territory or airspace is used to assist Israel in possible attacks on Iran, the Wall Street Journal reported. The warning was conveyed through secret diplomatic channels and targeted oil-rich states such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Qatar, all of which host U.S. forces, the WSJ report said.

This comes after Israel vowed a harsh reprisal against Tehran following an Iranian ballistic missile barrage targeting Israel earlier this month. Israeli officials, outraged by the attack, have urged retaliatory strikes against Iran’s nuclear or oil infrastructure, which they see as crucial to undermining Tehran’s aggressive military posture. Iran has vowed to strike back, threatening Israel’s civilian infrastructure as well as Arab states that could facilitate an Israeli- or US-led attack.

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According to WSJ, these countries have signaled to the Biden administration that they are unwilling to be drawn into a broader conflict by allowing their military infrastructure or airspace to be used in attacks on Iran. Officials in these energy-rich Gulf states fear that their oil facilities, traditionally under U.S. protection, could become a prime target in the event of escalating hostilities. With one of the highest concentrations of U.S. troops in the world stationed in the region, any military action could also significantly endanger U.S. forces.

One of the biggest concerns for Gulf states is the potential impact on the global oil market if the conflict escalates. An outright war between Israel and Iran could disrupt oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial chokepoint for global energy supplies. Any disruption to the flow of oil could lead to skyrocketing energy prices, destabilizing not only the region but also global markets. According to the WSJ, Arab leaders, including those from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have pledged to avoid any involvement in possible military strikes against Iran, fearing the impact on their oil infrastructure.

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In response to escalating tensions, the US has imposed new sanctions on Iran’s oil and petrochemical industries, particularly against the so-called “shadow fleet” of Iranian ships that have been involved in sanctions circumvention. The U.S. Treasury and State Departments have identified multiple companies and ships involved in the transportation of Iranian crude, as part of a broader effort to cut off financial lifelines supporting Iran’s missile programs and regional militias.

“Today’s sanctions target Iranian efforts to channel energy industry revenues to finance deadly and disruptive activities, including nuclear program development and ballistic missile proliferation,” the US Treasury Secretary said, Janet Yellen, in a statement.

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This growing tension complicates the already fragile alliances between the Arab states and Israel. While these countries share a common desire to counter Iran’s influence, they are wary of becoming embroiled in a direct military confrontation that could engulf the entire region. Some Arab countries, such as Jordan, cooperated with Israel and the US earlier this year by shooting down Iranian projectiles heading towards Israel. However, supporting a large-scale Israeli attack on Iranian territory is seen as a much more dangerous proposition.