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Gulf States Launch 72-Hour Diplomatic Push to Avert US-Iran Military Clash

US allies in the Gulf, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, are engaged in a concentrated diplomatic effort to dissuade Washington from military action against Iran and to lower inflammatory rhetoric. This push comes as the US redeploys a carrier strike group to the Middle East and advises precautionary measures for personnel at its Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Iran's leadership has issued stark warnings, suggesting neighboring countries could face missile strikes if the US attacks. The diplomatic maneuvering unfolds against the backdrop of sustained anti-government protests in Iran, which have reportedly led to thousands of deaths and detentions.

Key Points: Gulf Allies Work to Prevent US-Iran Conflict Amid Protests

  • 72-hour Gulf diplomatic push to reduce rhetoric
  • US carrier group redeployed to Middle East
  • Personnel at key Qatar base advised to leave
  • Iran warned of missile strikes if US attacks
  • Over 2,600 protest deaths reported in Iran
3 min read

Gulf allies push to avert US-Iran conflict amid protests: Reports

Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Oman engage in intensive diplomacy to cool tensions and discourage military action between US and Iran, as regional security fears mount.

"Collectively, there's an agreement that once this spirals into an armed military escalation, there could be lots of consequences... - Gulf official to CBS News"

Washington DC, January 16

Amid Washington's reported calls for military intervention in Iran as the Islamic Republic deals with widespread anti-governmental protests, several US allies in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt and Oman, are reportedly working to prevent such confrontation between the two countries through intensive diplomacy, CBS News reported, citing a Gulf official.

According to CBS News, citing the official, there was a 72-hour diplomatic push to reduce inflammatory rhetoric and discourage military action that could escalate tensions and destabilise the region.

The Gulf states reportedly advised the US to avoid strikes on Iran, citing the region's security and economic vulnerabilities, while warning Iran that any counterattack on US facilities in the Gulf would have serious repercussions for Tehran's relations with neighbouring countries.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Pentagon said it was redeploying a US carrier strike group from the South China Sea to the US Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility, which includes the Middle East, as tensions escalate between the Trump administration and Iran, News Nation reported, citing sources.

Meanwhile, CNN, citing sources, reported that some personnel stationed at the US's largest military base in the Middle East have been advised to leave as a precautionary measure amid rising regional tensions over Washington's possibility of military action against Iran.

According to CNN, citing a US official familiar with the matter, the directive applies to certain staff at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and reflects heightened security concerns rather than an immediate threat.

At the same time, the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia has urged its personnel to exercise increased caution, limit non-essential travel to military installations in the region, and ensure personal safety plans are in place.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had also issued warnings to Washington to "halt their deceitful actions and stop relying on their traitorous hirelings."

According to CBS News, citing two diplomatic sources, Iran had warned certain countries they could face missile strikes if the US carried out attacks.

"Collectively, there's an agreement that once this spirals into an armed military escalation, there could be lots of consequences... Tensions have cooled temporarily, but we've still yet to see. The next period will also be crucial," the Gulf official said, as quoted by CBS News.

The Islamic Republic is currently witnessing widespread anti-government rallies driven by soaring inflation, economic hardship and mounting public anger over governance, with Tehran repeatedly dismissing it as "foreign-backed".

Meanwhile, according to the Human Rights Activist News Agency's most recent figures, at least 2,677 deaths have been confirmed so far, with 1,693 more cases still being reviewed.

The number of individuals reported to have suffered serious injuries has reached 2,677, while 19,097 people have been detained as the protest enters its 19th day.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The human cost of the protests in Iran is heartbreaking. Over 2,600 lives lost? The focus should be on supporting the Iranian people's right to protest, not on geopolitical posturing that could lead to even more suffering.
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Arjun K
Gulf countries are right to be worried. A war would be disastrous for everyone. Oil prices would skyrocket, and our economy is just recovering. Hope the 72-hour diplomatic push works. 🙏
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Priya S
While I'm glad allies are trying to prevent war, I feel the article gives too much space to government warnings and not enough to the voices of the Iranian protesters. Their struggle for basic rights is what started this.
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Vikram M
The carrier group movement is a classic pressure tactic. But in today's interconnected world, a conflict there means problems here - from fuel prices to remittances from our people working in the Gulf. Stability is key.
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Karthik V
It's interesting to see Saudi Arabia and Qatar on the same page here. When regional rivals unite to ask for peace, you know the situation is serious. Hope cooler heads prevail.

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