Gulf nations brace for Iran decision

Gulf states are bracing for a decision on new U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran as Qatari mediators work to halt the conflict.

Brent crude oil prices have risen 60 percent since the war began eight months ago. The U.S. and Israel launched the conflict in February after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz. The closure disrupted global energy flows and increased costs for consumers worldwide. The economic strain has widened across the region as military operations continue.

President Donald Trump stated at a Halloween party in Florida that the U.S. is not in a rush to restart the war. He claimed the U.S. has destroyed most of Iran's military equipment, manufacturing capabilities, and nuclear sites. He said remaining targets could be neutralized in 10 minutes. Qatari officials have remained quiet about their mediation efforts. Mediators visited Tehran over the past 72 hours, and an Iranian delegation traveled to Doha.

Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian foreign minister, told state media that no definitive conclusion has been reached. He mentioned discussions about a two-day plan. Under this proposal, Iran would stop attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz to allow direct talks between Washington and Tehran to resume. President Trump has not confirmed if he will act before or after Tuesday's midterm elections.

Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, ordered armed forces to meet any threat with an immediate response. He described the response as having no geographical limitations. Iranian state media said this means new attacks would cause greater damage than previous strikes. The country's Revolutionary Guard remains capable of targeting Gulf Arab nations. These nations are major producers of oil and gas.

In Bahrain, the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet headquarters shows visible damage from Iranian strikes on February 28. Radar equipment is hit, and warehouses at the logistics hub are charred. The base previously housed 8,000 military personnel. That number has dropped to fewer than 100. Abdullatif Al Zayani, Bahrain's foreign minister, said Iran fired missiles and drones at both military and civilian infrastructure. He noted that Iran threatened to hit undersea internet cables in the Strait of Hormuz if the war resumes.

Anwar Gargash, a senior Emirati diplomat, spoke at the Manama Dialogue security forum. He urged the region to use political tools rather than military solutions. He said military actions would complicate the situation without providing a quick exit. Gulf states view Iran as a top security threat but prefer diplomatic resolution over further conflict. Saudi Arabia is currently protecting its airports and oil facilities from attacks by Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.

The war has shaken the status of cities like Dubai as safe havens for investment and tourism. Economies across the Gulf are suffering from the prolonged conflict. Regional leaders maintain a united message that additional attacks on Iran would be devastating to the area.