Recent attacks by Iran have targeted Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan, while notably sparing Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Experts suggest several potential reasons for this selective targeting. One analysis points to the presence of United States military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, noting that these locations were targeted in recent Iranian actions.
Another contributing factor suggested is a shift in the diplomatic posture adopted by the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia toward Iran. Hamidreza Azizi, a fellow at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, observed that the attacks were not aimed at the nations themselves, but rather at the specific American bases situated within them. For instance, Bahrain hosts the U.S.
Navy’s Fifth Fleet, and Kuwait is home to Ali Al Salem Air Base. Iran’s Foreign Ministry has asserted that the attacks reflect the “direct and clear responsibility of the Kuwaiti and Bahraini authorities,” condemning what it terms the “American colonial use” of the territory to support actions against Iran. Azizi suggests that Iran may be attempting to manage the level of escalation, indicating that the actions taken were viewed by Iran as a proportionate response that sought to avoid escalating to military targets.
Furthermore, reports indicate increased contact between Tehran and Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Riyadh. Azizi posits that these diplomatic contacts might explain why the attacks were limited to certain Gulf countries. However, he cautioned that any current restraint should not be interpreted as a sustainable pattern, given the potential for future escalation.
Topics: #iran #saudi #arabia
