Iran has been attacking neighboring Gulf states, which sought to avoid war, following preemptive strikes from the US and Israel, aiming to elevate conflict costs and strengthen its influence over the US.
Iran has recently intensified its attacks on nearby Gulf states that have been advocating for the avoidance of war, likely in response to preemptive strikes conducted by the United States and Israel. According to Ahmed Kandil, a senior official at the Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies in Egypt, Iran seems to be expanding the scope of its retaliatory actions beyond just Israel and US military bases to include Gulf countries. This strategy may aim to increase the costs of conflict for these states, thereby enhancing Iran's leverage over the US.
Attacks on the Gulf states' energy facilities and potential attempts to block the Strait of Hormuz suggest Iran's intention to elevate global energy prices, which dramatically soared following the outbreak of conflict, according to its strategic interests. It is believed that Iran expects increased diplomatic pressure on the US from countries heavily affected by rising oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices as a result of the conflict, thereby encouraging the pursuit of a diplomatic resolution to the situation.
The changing power dynamics in the region are raising significant concerns among Gulf states about their security alignments with the US. As Iran continues its aggressive posture, these nations may need to reassess their strategies in response to both Iran's threats and the evolving geopolitical landscape, which may have long-term implications for stability in the Gulf region and beyond.
