Allies of US in the Gulf bear brunt of Iran attacks
Allies of US in the Gulf bear brunt of Iran attacks
In the skies over Abu Dhabi, the usual hum of commercial aircraft was replaced by the sharp whine of incoming ballistic missiles. These were not leisurely flights carrying tourists or expatriates, but swift projectiles launched by Iran, the UAE’s massive neighbor across the Gulf. By Sunday afternoon, the UAE defense ministry confirmed it had intercepted 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles, and 541 drones. The scale of the strikes marked a shift in Iran’s strategy, moving from targeting military installations to striking civilian hubs.
Bahrain, too, felt the impact. A local contact woke me on Sunday morning with news of an airport under attack, recounting “huge bangs and wailing sirens” that rattled the night. “At least two hits,” he noted, though the exact toll remained unclear. This pattern of strikes revealed a broader campaign: once focused on US military assets like the 5th Fleet headquarters, Iran now aimed at airports, shopping malls, and high-rise buildings—places never designed for aerial warfare.
Iran’s Justification and Strategic Shift
“We are not attacking our neighbors in the Persian Gulf countries,” said Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi. “Our focus is on the US presence. Neighbors should direct their grievances to the decision-makers of this war.”
Despite Iran’s claims, the attacks on civilian infrastructure suggested more than incidental damage. While some debris from intercepted missiles caused accidental harm, the deliberate targeting of airports in Bahrain and the UAE pointed to a calculated escalation. The Gulf states, once seen as allies to US interests, now faced consequences for their long-standing partnerships with Washington.
Historical Context and Recent Tensions
Before the Islamic Revolution, Iran was dubbed “the policeman of the Gulf,” a role it sought to reclaim after the fall of the shah. The country has consistently urged its neighbors to shift from US protection to Iranian leadership, calling the region Khaleej-e-Fars. Yet, the current conflict has tested this vision. Gulf rulers, who view the Islamic Republic’s radicalism as a threat, now face a reality where their support for the US has made them vulnerable.
Iran’s retaliation was not unprecedented. In 2019, a drone strike on Saudi Aramco’s facilities in Abqaiq and Khurais disrupted oil exports. Last June, ballistic missiles targeted Qatar’s al-Udaid airbase, a response to US strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites. However, this recent wave of attacks, including the UAE’s missile defense struggles and Bahrain’s airport damage, represents a more intense and widespread assault. While Saudi Arabia and Oman fared better, their survival may not shield them from future reprisals.
