By Maha El Dahan and Pesha Magid
In recent meetings in Doha, Gulf Arab states aimed to reassure Iran of their neutrality in the conflict with Israel, amid concerns that escalating violence could threaten their oil facilities, according to sources.
Ministers from Gulf Arab states and Iran focused on de-escalation during discussions at a meeting hosted by Qatar, following Iran’s largest assault on Israel in retaliation for recent events in Gaza and Lebanon.
While Iran has not directly threatened Gulf oil facilities, there are hints that such actions could be considered, potentially impacting the global economy. Saudi Arabia, the top oil exporter, has been wary of such threats since a 2019 attack on its key refinery.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned against silence in the face of Israel’s actions and stated that any military attack or terrorist act would be met with a decisive response.
Overall, the message from the Gulf Cooperation Council to Iran is clear: prioritize de-escalation to avoid further tensions in the region.
Analysis: The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel has implications for global oil markets, with potential risks to oil facilities in the Gulf Arab states. Investors should monitor the situation closely for any developments that could impact oil prices and market stability.
