Despite President Trump’s decision to delay his threatened strikes on Iranian energy and military installations over Strait of Hormuz access, tensions with Iran remain high as the country persists in firing missiles at both Israel and Gulf region nations.
Saudi media outlets reported yesterday that defense systems successfully stopped two ballistic missiles fired from Iran toward the capital city of Riyadh, part of a total seven-missile barrage targeting the kingdom. According to a Wall Street Journal source, Saudi Arabia joining American anti-Iran operations is now “only a matter of time,” representing a significant policy reversal for Gulf nations that previously avoided involvement in the Iranian conflict.
Sources familiar with the situation revealed that Saudi Arabia has granted U.S. forces permission to operate from King Fahd air base, abandoning its previous stance against allowing American use of Saudi territory or airspace for Iranian operations. This policy shift follows repeated Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting critical Saudi infrastructure, including energy installations and the capital city.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is reportedly concentrating on reestablishing deterrence and approaching a final decision about joining the military campaign, with sources indicating Saudi participation in the conflict becomes more probable each day.
Following recent attacks, Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan warned: “Saudi Arabia’s patience with Iranian attacks is not unlimited. Any belief that Gulf countries are incapable of responding is a miscalculation.”
The United Arab Emirates has initiated action against Iranian-connected organizations on its soil, shuttering both the Iranian Hospital and Iranian Club in Dubai, according to the report. Officials explained that facilities linked to Iran’s government and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were closed for UAE law violations.
The UAE, historically serving as a major financial center for Iranian commerce, has also threatened to freeze billions in Iranian holdings, potentially cutting Tehran off from crucial foreign currency and commercial channels.
While Gulf leadership has publicly maintained they won’t participate in attacks or allow airspace usage, the report suggests their involvement may already be growing. Confirmed video evidence showed ground-launched missiles targeting Iran from Bahrain, while American officials confirmed Iranian strikes damaged five U.S. Air Force refueling aircraft stationed at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.
Iran’s aggressive campaign has encompassed over 2,000 attacks against the UAE and strikes on Qatar’s Ras Laffan energy complex, intensifying pressure on Gulf leadership to take action. Regional officials have reportedly encouraged President Trump to maintain military pressure on Iranian capabilities, as Tehran has suggested it may seek control over Strait of Hormuz shipping, potentially including toll collection.
