“Tehran breached a gentlemen’s agreement between the countries,” said Anwar Gargash, adviser to the president of the United Arab Emirates. According to him, this agreement meant that Gulf territory would not be used to attack Iran in exchange for Iranian non-aggression. This statement encapsulates the shock and astonishment that have gripped Gulf rulers following the launch of ballistic missiles and drones from Iran at the territories of all the Gulf states – Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Even Oman – the mediator – was not spared an attack.
What lies behind these attacks? Iran justified them as targeting American bases, but in practice they extended to other military and civilian targets. The primary logic behind these strikes, as explained by the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, identified with Hezbollah, is threefold.
First, to pressure Gulf rulers to use their leverage with US President Donald Trump to stop the war. Iran’s decision to close the Strait of Hormuz was intended to add an element of economic pressure on the Gulf states and other countries dependent on Gulf oil and gas. The second reason is psychological: to influence the Gulf states. If reports are accurate that Qatar and the UAE are working with Trump and also in Europe to halt the fighting, then these first two objectives are indeed being served. The third reason is to send a message that no state assisting the United States is safe. (Read More)