Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar are jointly lobbying the United States to prevent Israel from launching attacks on Iran, which they fear could endanger their oil facilities. Amidst Iran’s diplomatic efforts to garner Gulf support, tensions escalate as warnings are issued against Israeli airspace utilization. A substantial conflict could severely disrupt international oil supplies, posing risks to the global economy.
In recent diplomatic maneuvers, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Qatar are actively engaging with Washington to safeguard Gulf oil interests from potential Israeli military actions against Iran. Amid escalating tensions, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has articulated efforts to unite Gulf nations in a bid to de-escalate conflicts surrounding Iran. Diplomatic channels, as reported by The National, indicate that Iran is seeking to bolster its standing and mitigate risks of a heightened regional conflict. Concerns over Israeli military strikes targeting Iranian oil facilities have prompted collective unease among the three Gulf nations. Unnamed sources, as reported by Reuters, highlight a consensus among Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar that Israeli strikes could provoke retaliatory actions against their own assets by Iran or affiliated militias. All three nations have designated a firm stance against granting Israel access to their airspace. In a recent warning, Tehran cautioned Riyadh that it would not assume responsibility for the protection of the Kingdom’s oil facilities should an Israeli assault occur. A Saudi analyst, reportedly close to the royal court, stated, “The Iranians have stated: ‘If the Gulf states open up their airspace to Israel, that would be an act of war.'” Israeli officials have maintained that significant military responses targeting Iran are imminent, with a focus on military and intelligence facilities. While President Joe Biden has expressed reservations about strikes on Iran’s nuclear and energy infrastructure, the prospect of a full-scale conflict remains alarming, with the potential to disrupt international energy supplies, thereby impacting the global economy. Farzan Sabet, a senior research associate at the Geneva Graduate Institute, asserted, “Major disruption of regional oil and gas exports is likely to have a material impact on the global economy,” stressing the repercussions of renewed hostilities in the region.
The article addresses the intricate geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East, particularly between Israeli and Iranian interests. Amid growing tensions, the Gulf states perceive potential threats to their oil infrastructure should a conflict escalate between Israel and Iran. The lobbying efforts by these Gulf nations in Washington reflect their desire to guard against direct military aggression that could disrupt economic stability in the region. The significance of oil supplies in relation to global energy markets further underscores the urgency of these diplomatic interactions.
In summary, the apprehensions expressed by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar regarding Israel’s potential military strikes against Iran highlight the delicate balance of power in the region. Their advocacy for U.S. intervention emphasizes the strategic importance of maintaining stability in Gulf oil exports against the backdrop of rising tensions. The situation remains tenuous, with possible implications for the global economy should conflicts erupt.
Original Source: oilprice.com
