Gulf States

As tensions with Iran rise on Monday, the US faces the prospect of military escalation in the Gulf, while Israel confronts Hezbollah attacks in Lebanon and keeps Gaza a secondary front.

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb plunged on Wednesday, with just three vessels crossing the key waterways as Houthi attacks and the Iran war disrupted regional trade.

Avner Vilan said Tehran believes its control of the Strait of Hormuz and ability to survive heavy damage would allow it to keep pressuring the region even after US strikes.

The United Kingdom Maritime and Trade Operations (UKMTO) center said in a post on X/Twitter that a cargo vessel had been hit by an unknown projectile off the coast of Oman.

For years, Israel asked how other countries would respond if missiles were routinely fired at their civilians. The Gulf States are now confronting that question themselves.

The officials called Trump's statements a desperate attempt to blackmail Gulf state rulers and pressure them with threats.

Mohammad Marandi warned on Saturday that critical infrastructure across the Gulf and in Israel could be destroyed, as US officials reportedly raised concerns over missile-defense resources.

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Emirati political analyst Obaid al-Zaabi said the UAE will not accept Iranian control or tolls in the Strait of Hormuz, citing its economic resilience.

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