Saudi Arabia Leads Gulf Effort to Prevent US Military Strike on Iran
Paris Telegraph – International Affairs
Saudi Arabia is leading a diplomatic initiative among Gulf states to discourage the United States from launching a military strike against Iran, according to a report published by The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday. Qatar and Oman are said to be actively participating in the effort, reflecting growing regional concern over the consequences of any escalation.
The report states that Riyadh fears a military confrontation would severely damage its economy and provoke domestic backlash, particularly in the event of the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Saudi officials reportedly believe such an outcome could inflame public sentiment across the region and destabilise internal security.
Beyond domestic concerns, Arab states are increasingly worried about the impact of military action on global energy supplies. Any conflict involving Iran risks disrupting oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz — a narrow but strategically critical waterway separating Iran from its Arab neighbours. Approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil shipments pass through the strait, making it a vital artery for global energy markets.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the diplomatic push follows a warning from Washington urging Gulf allies to prepare for a possible escalation. This alert reportedly triggered serious concern in Gulf capitals over regional stability, energy security, and the vulnerability of critical infrastructure. Officials fear that any fallout could extend beyond Iran and directly affect neighbouring states.
Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman have reportedly conveyed to the White House that any attempt to overthrow Iran’s political system would destabilise oil markets and ultimately harm the US economy itself. Gulf officials argue that regime change efforts could lead to prolonged instability rather than strategic gains.
The report further notes that Saudi Arabia has informed Tehran that it intends to remain neutral in any potential conflict. Riyadh has also reportedly made clear to Washington that it would not permit the use of its airspace for US-led strikes on Iran, in an effort to avoid being drawn into a wider confrontation.
Gulf states have also cautioned the United States against pursuing regime change in Tehran, warning that such a move could trigger unpredictable regional consequences and deepen long-term instability across the Middle East.
As tensions remain high, the Gulf initiative underscores a growing preference among regional powers for de-escalation and diplomatic containment, amid fears that another conflict could have far-reaching economic and geopolitical repercussions.
