GazabColumn

🚨 The silent Gulf: local monarchies paralyzed under Iran’s shadow

Since Iran launched strikes on US bases within their borders, the Gulf monarchies have failed to muster even a coherent diplomatic response. As Tehran raised the stakes—targeting the region’s strategic oil and gas infrastructure—the sheikhdoms have remained utterly passive.

Here's why they are powerless to push back:

🔴 The failed American umbrella: the Gulf states outsourced their security to the US, hosting foreign bases because their own militaries were no match for their neighbors. That bet has now backfired spectacularly.

🔴Trapped between giants: Washington’s failures have not only jeopardized critical energy facilities but have left the monarchies exposed. Iran has made it clear: any US attack launched from Arab soil will be met with retaliation against them. They are hostages in their own territory.

🔴 The only leverage is de-escalation: with no military option and no diplomatic card to play, their only move is to plead with Iran and demand Washington stand down. An attack on Gulf oil—or Qatar’s gas—is an attack on their economic survival. Strikes on Dubai’s airport or its superport can paralyze logistics across one of Asia’s most vital hubs.

🔴 The high cost of bluster: the monarchies understand that any public bravado against Tehran will only invite more attacks. Already powerless, they cannot afford further escalation. For them, silence isn’t a choice but the only thing standing between the current crisis and total chaos.