Allies of US in the Gulf bear brunt of Iran attacks

Allies of US in the Gulf suffer heavy toll from Iranian strikes

Above Abu Dhabi’s azure skies, white streaks of contrails trace paths over sand-streaked villas and lushly irrigated gardens. These are not the trails of commercial jets carrying tourists or guest workers, but the trajectories of ballistic missiles launched by Iran, the Emirates’ massive neighbor across the Gulf. By Sunday afternoon, the UAE defense ministry reported intercepting 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles, and 541 drones from Iran. In Bahrain, a local resident recounted waking to the sound of thunderous explosions and wailing sirens, estimating around 20 such incidents with at least two confirmed hits.

Since the conflict erupted on Saturday, Iran has broadened its targets beyond military sites like the US Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain. Now, civilian landmarks—luxury hotels, shopping centers, and modern airport terminals—face sporadic strikes, revealing vulnerabilities in the Gulf states’ air defenses. These structures were never designed for such assaults, leaving residents unprepared for the sudden threat of drones and ballistic missiles.

“We are not attacking our neighbors in the Persian Gulf countries, we are targeting the presence of the US in these countries. Neighbors should direct their grievances to the decision-makers of this war,” stated Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi to Al Jazeera.

Despite Iran’s denial, the attacks on Bahrain and the UAE suggest a calculated strategy. While some damage stems from debris from intercepted missiles, others indicate a deliberate focus on civilian infrastructure. This escalates tensions, as the Gulf states are accused of supporting US interests, prompting Iranian retaliation.

Before the Islamic Revolution, Iran was dubbed “the policeman of the Gulf” under the shah. Since then, it has sought to reclaim that role, positioning itself as the region’s security provider. Efforts to replace the US as a regional ally have faltered, with Arab rulers wary of Iran’s revolutionary ideology. The current strikes mark a turning point, with Iran accusing its neighbors of complicity in the US-Israeli conflict.

Saudi Arabia and Oman, long hosting Western military forces, have endured less severe impacts. Oman’s commercial port at Duqm was hit by a drone, while Riyadh appeared to be targeted on Saturday. The Saudi government condemned the attacks as “cowardly” and “blatant,” asserting they were “successfully intercepted” but still unacceptable. The Gulf states’ fragile relationship with Iran now faces renewed strain, with relations likely to remain strained unless the current leadership endures this escalation.

Iran’s history of attacks on Arab neighbors includes previous incidents, such as 2019 strikes on Saudi Aramco facilities in Abqaiq and Khurais by Iranian-backed militias. Last June, ballistic missiles targeted Qatar’s al-Udaid airbase, seen as a symbolic response to US military operations. However, this latest wave of strikes—covering both military and civilian sites—signals a broader shift in Iranian strategy, with allies of the US now bearing the most significant impact.