The Middle East conflict shows signs of peace, yet Gulf states are far from relieved—whose side suffered the heaviest blow?
Iran has agreed to open the Strait of Hormuz; Lebanon-Israel ceasefire lasts ten days. After over a month of intense fighting in the Middle East, a glimmer of peace finally emerges. However, whether the fighting continues or stops, Gulf states remain uneasy.
The role of Gulf states in this Middle East conflict remains unclear. They are not merely "innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire" since they have provided logistical support to U.S. forces and thus indirectly participated in the conflict. Yet, being hit so severely also constitutes an unjustified disaster.
After all, as the direct instigators of the Middle East conflict, the U.S. and Israel did not suffer the most intense attacks—instead, Iran directed its fiercest fury primarily at Gulf states.
Media statistics show the proportion of Iranian attacks on various Middle Eastern countries: Israel accounts for only 17%, while the UAE faces a staggering 35%. Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain see 15%, 12%, and 8% respectively—collectively, these four Gulf states account for over 70% of all Iranian strikes.
Recently, Dubai’s Burj Al Arab hotel announced it will close for repairs for one and a half years—an indication of just how severe the damage has been in the UAE. A country highly dependent on tourism and finance, losing tourists and foreign capital represents a massive economic blow.
Most of Iran’s attacks on Gulf states have come via drones. The percentage of drone attacks on Saudi Arabia and the UAE reached as high as 90% and 80% respectively.
Different from previous Middle East conflicts, this time Iran changed tactics—focusing on destroying energy infrastructure and U.S. military bases in the Gulf region, avoiding direct confrontation with the U.S. and Israel. This strategy not only drained key U.S. assets but also imposed immense economic pressure on the United States and its allies.
Qatar lost nearly one-fifth of its liquefied natural gas export capacity, suffering annual losses exceeding $20 billion. Saudi Arabia’s daily oil production dropped by about 600,000 barrels, and with the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz, energy exports from Gulf states have plummeted dramatically.
Gulf states cannot accept this humiliation, yet they cannot afford the cost of continued strait blockade or ongoing attacks. Whether war continues or peace is achieved, they may well be the biggest losers.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1862784598440972/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.