NewKerala.com

Gulf States Urge US to Continue Striking Iran, Seek Military Degradation

Senior Gulf officials have anonymously told The Times of Israel that countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain want the United States to continue military strikes against Iran. They believe Iran's military capabilities must be significantly degraded before any ceasefire is agreed upon, with some even considering joining the offensive. The officials fear a strategic disaster if the conflict ends while Iran retains its attack capabilities. The broader conflict, marked by repeated strikes, continues to raise fears of wider regional escalation and disruptions.

Key Points: Gulf States Want US to Keep Striking Iran: Report

  • Gulf states urge continued US strikes
  • Aim to degrade Iran's military before ceasefire
  • Some consider joining offensive
  • Conflict sparks regional escalation fears
2 min read

Gulf states want US to continue striking Iran, reports Israeli media

Gulf nations urge continued US strikes on Iran to degrade its military before a ceasefire, fearing a strategic disaster otherwise, per Israeli media.

"Ending the war with Iran still in possession of the tools it is currently using to target the GCC would be a strategic disaster - Gulf official"

Washington DC, March 23

As the conflict in West Asia and the Gulf region enters its fourth week with no signs of de-escalation, senior officials from various Gulf capitals told The Times of Israel that the countries are now urging Washington to continue striking Iran.

The Times of Israel was told by officials on the condition of anonymity that after being attacked, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain believe that Iran's military must be cut down before a ceasefire is achieved--with some considering joining the offensive.

This comes despite the frustration in the way the US and Israel are going forward in the conflict in West Asia--yet Gulf countries, especially the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar have expressed the desire to ensure Iran comes out of the conflict with a degraded military that ceases to pose a threat to the Gulf nations.

While Trump has routinely expressed surprise over the spill over of the conflict in the wider region of West Asia and the Gulf, the Gulf countries had largely anticipated the response, which was one of the reasons they opposed its start.

"Ending the war with Iran still in possession of the tools it is currently using to target the GCC would be a strategic disaster," one of the Gulf officials said.

As per the Times of Israel, all four officials agreed that the US and Israeli strikes were unlikely to bring down Iran's regime

Another Gulf official said that Iran could be sufficiently deterred and said that the conflict could be dragged on "to a point where there are diminishing returns." He further speculated that Gulf countries will double down on anti-drone and air defense technology after the war, so that they are better prepared to handle Iranian attacks in the future--which they believe would continue to remain a threat.

The remarks come amid the developing security situation in West Asia and the Gulf.

The broader conflict, which began in late February, has seen repeated exchanges of strikes, raising concerns of a wider regional escalation and potential disruptions to global energy supplies and security dynamics.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The report says the Gulf countries anticipated this response but opposed the start of the conflict. That's telling. It feels like a proxy war where regional powers are using the US and Israel to weaken a rival. The human cost gets lost in these strategic calculations. 😔
P
Priya S
As an Indian, my first worry is for our people working in the Gulf. Any escalation directly threatens them. The Gulf nations investing in anti-drone tech is a given, but perpetual conflict isn't a solution. The world needs to focus on de-escalation, not more strikes.
R
Rohit P
The article mentions "diminishing returns" – that's the key point. How long can this go on? It's draining for everyone. India has good relations with both the Gulf states and Iran. We must use our diplomatic channels to advocate for peace. War benefits no one in the long run.
V
Vikram M
While I respect the need for Gulf countries to defend themselves, urging more US strikes feels short-sighted. It just deepens the cycle of violence. A degraded Iranian military today might mean a more desperate and unpredictable Iran tomorrow. Where does it end?
N
Nikhil C
The strategic concerns are valid, but the approach is flawed. The officials themselves admit strikes won't bring down the regime. So you're just inflicting pain without a clear endgame. This will destabilize the region further and impact global oil prices. India needs to brace for economic ripple effects.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50