Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are taking tougher steps against Iran as tensions in the Gulf rise, The Wall Street Journal reported on March 23, citing people familiar with the matter. According to the report, Riyadh has allowed US forces to use the King Fahd Air Base, a shift from its earlier position that its territory and airspace would not be used for strikes on Iran. Reports Dw.com.
Sources told the newspaper that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is now close to deciding on direct military involvement. Saudi officials say repeated Iranian attacks have damaged regional economies and shown that patience in the Gulf is running out. One concern is Iran’s reported attempt to strengthen its influence over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy supplies.
The UAE is also increasing pressure. Authorities in Dubai have shut the Iranian Hospital and the Iranian Club, saying they were used in the interests of the Iranian regime and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in violation of UAE law. Officials have also warned that billions of dollars in Iranian assets could be frozen, a move that could sharply limit Tehran’s access to foreign currency and trade networks.
The report says Gulf leaders have urged US President Donald Trump in regular calls to fully weaken Iran’s military capabilities before any next step is considered. The latest strikes on energy and other facilities in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE have added to fears that relying only on US protection and diplomacy is no longer enough.
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