Gulf states warn a renewed US–Israel strike on a better-prepared Iran could
spark a far more destructive regional war that the Gulf would ultimately bear
the cost of managing, UAE presidential foreign affairs adviser Anwar Gargash
said at the Manama Dialogue. He said Gulf states had exhausted diplomacy
options and are seeking a political solution. President Trump has repeatedly
said the US and Israel will deliver a “final strike”; he ruled out strikes
before Tuesday’s US midterm elections but did not rule out resuming military
action if peace talks stall. RUSI deputy research fellow Mohammed Basha said he
had not heard Gulf officials or civilians support strikes; most expect a new
round of conflict and that Iran’s response would be more intense and likely not
to follow previously observed rules of engagement.
