https://arab.news/68j74
Let us imagine the following scenario: When US and Israeli forces struck Iranian territory on Saturday, the Iranian forces limited their response to targeting Israeli and US naval vessels at sea — nothing more. What would have happened then?
In that case, the Gulf Cooperation Council states, along with Jordan and Iraq, would have remained outside the circle of military targeting. These countries would have responded as they did during the 12-day war between Tehran and Tel Aviv in June 2025, when they unequivocally and without exception condemned the “Israeli aggression” against Iranian territory, describing it as a violation of sovereignty and international law.
Similarly, what if the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had occurred at a time when relations between Iran and its Arab neighbors were positive? Statements of condemnation would undoubtedly have been issued denouncing the targeting of the supreme leader, condolences would have been conveyed and there would have been widespread official and popular Islamic and Arab sympathy.
From the very first day, its missiles and drones were directed toward all Gulf states without exception
