Iran warns Gulf nations against helping Israel, says 'will respond accordingly'

The Gulf Arab nations have urged the US to prevent Israel from targeting Iran's oil facilities, fearing that Tehran may retaliate by striking their own oil infrastructure in the region.

In Short

• Gulf countries fear Iranian attack on their oil facilities
• Urge United States to prevent Israeli attacks on Iran
• Iran warns Arab nations against allowing Israel to use their airspace

Amid the escalating threat of the Middle East conflict expanding with Israel planning an offensive against Iran, Tehran warned Gulf Arab nations against allowing their airspace or military bases to be used in such an attack. A senior Iranian official stated that any assistance to Israel would be unacceptable and would draw a response.

"Iran made it clear that any action by a Persian Gulf country against Tehran, whether through the use of airspace or military bases, will be regarded by Tehran as an action taken by the entire group, and Tehran will respond accordingly," the senior Iranian official told news agency Reuters.

Iran's warning came amid reports that Tehran had cautioned Gulf nations, stating that if 'Israeli supporters' intervene directly in the conflict, their regional interests would be targeted. Gulf Arab nations fear that Iran may strike their oil facilities if they align with Israel in the ongoing conflict.

"The message emphasised the need for regional unity against Israel and the importance of securing stability. It also made clear that any assistance to Israel, such as allowing the use of a regional country’s airspace for actions against Iran, is unacceptable," the Iranian official stressed.

On October 1, Iran launched a barrage of around 200 rockets at Israel, most of which were intercepted and destroyed by Israeli defence systems. This was in response to the killing of the Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah and Israel's military actions in Lebanon and Gaza. According to reports, Israel is preparing to retaliate, with some suggesting that oil facilities in Iran could be targeted as part of a broader offensive.

In light of the escalating threat, Gulf states have urged the United States to prevent Israel from targeting Iran's oil facilities. Citing top sources in Arab nations, Reuters reported that Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar have also refused to allow Israel to use their airspace for any attack on Iran and have communicated this stance to Washington.

Last week, the Gulf Arab states, which met in Doha, sought to reassure Iran of their neutrality and urged Tehran to de-escalate. "The Gulf states think it's unlikely that Iran will strike their oil facilities, but the Iranians are dropping hints they might from unofficial sources. It's a tool the Iranians have against the US and the global economy," Ali Shihabi, a top Saudi commentator said earlier.

Meanwhile, Israel continued its assault on Lebanon, intensifying attacks against the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah. In the latest major strike, 22 people were killed and dozens injured in Lebanon.