WASHINGTON/RIYADH: According to the Wall Street Journal, Gulf countries led by Saudi Arabia have opposed any potential US military strike on Iran, warning that such an action could destabilize global oil markets and negatively impact the US economy.
The report states that Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman have privately lobbied the US to avoid attacking Iran, emphasizing that a conflict could severely disrupt tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil passes.
Saudi officials have assured Tehran that they will not engage in any conflict with Iran and will not permit the US to use their airspace for military operations, a move aimed at distancing themselves from direct involvement while attempting to prevent escalation.
While the Trump administration has not clarified what type of military action is under consideration, officials indicate that the likelihood of an operation is high.
A White House official told the Wall Street Journal that President Donald Trump retains all options, listening to various advisors but ultimately making his own decisions.
The warnings come after Trump directly addressed Iranian protesters, urging them to resist government crackdowns and take control of state institutions, posting on his social media platform Truth Social that “help is coming.”
