The war involving the United States and Israel against Iran has begun spreading beyond Iran’s borders, as Tehran has responded with strikes on Israel and several Gulf Arab states hosting U.S. military installations.
Israel has also launched fresh attacks in Lebanon after the Iran-aligned militia Hezbollah fired across the border.
Several Gulf states have expressed anger after civilian infrastructure — including hotels, ports and oil facilities — was hit despite their countries not participating in the U.S.-Israeli attacks.
Over the past week, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Iraq have all reported drone or missile attacks.
In recent years, Iran had taken steps to improve relations with several Gulf neighbours, including former regional rival Saudi Arabia.
An official from the United Arab Emirates said the country wants the Iranian attacks on Gulf states to stop immediately.
“We don’t want the war to expand. We want to start with the Iranians realizing that they are not helping themselves by attacking their whole neighbourhood and to stop there and realize that,” the official said.
