“Patience with Iranian attacks is not unlimited,” said Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan.
By Madelyn DeLaere
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are weighing whether to formally join the United States and Israel in their war against Iran, according to reporting from the Wall Street Journal.
This could signal a potential expansion of the conflict across the Middle East, as the Wall Street Journal says both Gulf states have taken steps toward deeper involvement, including increased military coordination with the United States. As of March 24, the U.S. is positioned to conduct aerial attacks and escalate economic pressure on Tehran.
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan said last week that the kingdom’s tolerance for Iranian attacks is “not unlimited.”
He warned the assumption that Gulf countries cannot respond would be a “miscalculation” from Tehran following a series of strikes on regional energy infrastructure.
Separately, The New York Times reports that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has urged U.S. President Donald Trump to continue military operations against Iran, viewing the conflict as a key moment to counter Tehran’s regional influence.
The developments come as hostilities between Iran, Israel and U.S. forces continue to grow, with ongoing strikes raising concerns about an intensifying regional war. Iran has previously targeted sites in Gulf countries, including Ras Laffan in Qatar, the world’s largest liquid natural gas production facility, increasing pressure on regional governments to respond.
Experts like Amwag.media editor Mohammad Ali Shabani have predicted big shakeups in the dynamics between these countries in the coming days. He spoke to NPR on March 24 about what has changed in the weeks since the war’s start.
“I think probably this weekend, we may either have some kind of breakthrough or some kind of escalation, massive escalation, possibly including America’s Arab allies,” said Ali Shabani.
No official announcements have been made by Riyadh or Abu Dhabi. However, direct involvement by Saudi Arabia or the U.A.E. would mark a major escalation, potentially widening the conflict and complicating de-escalation efforts.