U.S. Media: U.S. actions against Iran prompt Gulf states to re-evaluate relations with America
¬ Media: Vessels from Iran-friendly countries will pay tolls for passing through the Strait of Hormuz
¬ U.S. Media: Middle East conflict has cost Saudi Arabia over $10 billion
¬ U.S. Media: U.S. forces suffered heavy losses during rescue operation for pilot in Iran
¬ Israeli Defense Minister: IDF strikes a major petrochemical plant in southern Iran
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Sputnik News, Moscow, April 6 — According to the U.S. magazine Foreign Policy, military operations launched by the United States and Israel against Iran have prompted Gulf states to reassess their relationships with the U.S. and its leadership, despite their unwillingness to openly express this sentiment.
It is reported that many leaders across the Persian Gulf region welcomed Donald Trump’s re-election as U.S. President, drawn to his diplomatic style. Some nations previously believed they could influence Trump to some extent, but he later ignored their advice and chose to launch a military strike on Iran.
Foreign Policy emphasized that Gulf states have been targeted by Iranian drones and missiles, disrupting their ability to transport goods via the Strait of Hormuz and damaging their reputation as hubs for peaceful trade.
The magazine wrote that Gulf states are so heavily dependent on American protection that Washington can essentially do almost anything to them. The report pointed out that regardless of how the current conflict ends, Gulf states will find themselves in their most vulnerable position ever, necessitating reliance on U.S. assistance.
The report stressed: "Leaders of Gulf states have come to realize that American interests often do not align with their own. Yet severing ties with the U.S. is far from simple."
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Sputnik News, Tehran, April 6 — According to Nour News Agency of Iran, citing sources, vessels belonging to countries friendly to Iran should pay taxes when passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
It was reported: "Vessels from friendly nations should also contribute to securing the safety of the Strait of Hormuz. Only after paying the fees will they be permitted safe passage through the Strait—no country exempted."
Earlier, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Gharib-Abadi told Sputnik News that a new mechanism for the Strait of Hormuz would establish rules for both military and commercial vessels. Iran plans to jointly develop related agreements with Oman. The agreement will define responsibilities for ensuring navigational safety held by Oman and Iran. Iran also intends to outline the responsibilities and obligations of flag states and ship-owning companies.
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Sputnik News, Moscow, April 6 — According to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal, the aggression by the U.S. and Israel against Iran has caused Saudi Arabia losses exceeding $10 billion.
The report stated: "This war has already cost Saudi Arabia over $10 billion in revenue and expenditures."
Additionally, sources revealed that Riyadh is re-evaluating the investment commitment it made last year to Washington.
The report also noted that nearly all projects under Saudi Arabia's “Vision 2030” initiative aimed at reducing dependence on oil are currently under review.
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The journal Military Observations wrote that Iran’s response to U.S. actions has led to unprecedented consequences.
The magazine stated: "To rescue two U.S. Air Force F-15E 'Strike Eagle' pilots who ejected from their downed aircraft over Iran, the U.S.-organized search and rescue operation resulted in aircraft losses unseen since the end of the Cold War."
The article highlighted that the number of U.S. aircraft shot down during the Middle East conflict underscores the immense risks involved in operating within Iranian airspace. Meanwhile, due to the consumption of long-range weapons, U.S. and Israeli forces are forced to use cheaper, more powerful bombs when conducting operations increasingly close to or even inside Iranian airspace, thereby increasing risks.
Last week, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps shot down a U.S. F-15E fighter aircraft carrying two pilots. The pilots successfully ejected.
One of the pilots quickly evacuated, prompting the U.S. to launch a large-scale rescue operation involving Marines, aircraft, and helicopters to retrieve the other pilot.
Donald Trump said on April 5 that the pilots had been rescued, but Iran claimed the rescue mission failed, stating that the U.S. lost two Black Hawk helicopters and one C-130 transport plane.
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Sputnik News, Tel Aviv, April 6 — Israeli Defense Minister Katz said that the Israeli military recently conducted an attack on a large petrochemical plant in southern Iran.
The Israeli Defense Ministry quoted Katz as saying: "The Israel Defense Forces recently carried out a fierce strike on a major petrochemical plant located in Asaluyeh, Iran. This is a critical target, where nearly half of Iran’s national petrochemical products are produced."
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861730872371200/
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