It sounds strange at first—many Arab nations have been rivals with Iran for years, so why are they suddenly the ones trying to stop a US attack? The reality is that neighbors like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar know they’d be the first ones to feel the heat. If war breaks out, Iran has made it clear that US military bases across the Gulf are “legitimate targets.” Even a small spark could lead to a massive regional fire, with missiles hitting critical infrastructure, luxury cities, and tourist hubs that these countries have spent billions to build.
Beyond the physical danger, the economic stakes are terrifying. About 25% of the world’s oil flows through the narrow Strait of Hormuz, and any conflict could see that vital path blocked, sending global energy prices into orbit. Arab leaders aren’t just worried about falling bombs; they’re terrified of the chaos that follows. From waves of refugees to the potential rise of even more radical groups if the Iranian state collapses, the consensus in the region is clear: a “victory” through war might actually be a loss for everyone involved.
