Between Iran and a Hard Place
The Gulf Cooperation Council met in Saudi Arabia to address Iranian attacks and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the need for regional inclusion in any diplomatic resolution. Despite hosting major U.S. military bases, Gulf states have opposed direct involvement in the conflict and have been disproportionately targeted by Iranian drone and missile strikes. They express anger toward both the U.S. for provoking the war and Iran for carrying out attacks, while seeking a regional solution that reflects their security concerns.
- ▪The Gulf Cooperation Council condemned Iranian attacks and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, calling for trust-building and regional diplomatic coordination.
- ▪Eighty-three percent of Iranian drone and missile attacks have targeted Gulf states, with the UAE and Bahrain hit hardest.
- ▪Gulf states host extensive U.S. military infrastructure, including Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Bahrain.
- ▪Despite assurances to Iran, Gulf states could not prevent the U.S. from using their territory for military operations.
- ▪Analysts suggest Qatar and Oman may have made secret agreements with Iran to reduce attack frequency.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Foreign Affairs Between Iran and a Hard Place The Gulf states couldn’t stay out of a war launched from their territory. (Photo by Stringer/Anadolu via Getty Images) <div class="o-image__issue-wrapper"> <img class="o-image__image" srcset="https://tac.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/TAC_Ted_mug.jpg?auto=format&crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=crop&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=32 32w, https://tac.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/TAC_Ted_mug.jpg?auto=format&crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=crop&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=32 32w, https://tac.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/TAC_Ted_mug.jpg?auto=format&crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=crop&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=32 32w,…
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