Saudi Arabia, UAE consider joining response to Iran… Some see participation as “a matter of time”

Speculation is growing that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), key oil producers in the Middle East, may gradually join efforts to counter Iran.

According to cryptocurrency-focused outlet Odaily on the 24th, Israel’s The Times of Israel reported that Saudi Arabia and the UAE are considering taking part in military action against Iran.

The report said Saudi Arabia has already allowed the U.S. military to use parts of its air bases, and Gulf states are showing signs of shifting toward a more proactive response. Citing The Wall Street Journal, it said the change reflects the impact of the Middle East war on the two countries’ economies.

One source said Saudi Arabia’s entry into the conflict is “a matter of time.” Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister has previously said the kingdom “will not tolerate Iran’s attacks indefinitely.”

A shift in Gulf states’ stance is also being detected. Several senior officials said, “Initially we opposed military intervention, but now we are calling for continued U.S. military action so that Iran’s military capabilities are sufficiently weakened after the war.”

Still, the countries have yet to take direct military action. Officials explained that “concerns remain strong that, if the conflict escalates into an all-out regional war, it could spiral into an uncontrollable situation.”

In markets, there is growing expectation that whether Gulf states actually intervene could become a key variable shaping Middle East risk going forward.