Tehran, Iran. Israel and Iran traded attacks on Saturday as the war entered its second week, while Tehran issued an apology to neighbouring states for its “actions” amid regional anger at Iranian strikes on Gulf Arab civilian targets.
Attacks spread beyond Iran’s borders
The U.S.-Israeli war on Iran has extended beyond Iran, with Tehran responding by hitting Israel and Gulf Arab states hosting U.S. military installations, and Israel attacking Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah armed group.
The UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have all reported drone and missile attacks over the past week.
Iran signals possible suspension of strikes on nearby countries
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran’s temporary leadership council had approved suspending attacks on nearby countries, unless an attack on Iran came from those nations.
“I personally apologise to neighbouring countries that were affected by Iran’s actions,” he said.
It was not clear how far Pezeshkian’s statement reflected a decision by Iran to back off, or why, with some strikes still reportedly directed at Gulf states on Saturday morning.
Gulf outrage and strained recent diplomacy
Iran had improved ties with Gulf neighbours in recent years, including with former regional arch rival Saudi Arabia, but that diplomatic campaign was upended as the Revolutionary Guards launched a wave of drones and missiles over the past week.
Gulf states voiced immediate outrage that civilian infrastructure, including hotels, ports and oil facilities, were struck despite their having had no part in the U.S.-Israeli attacks.
Diplomatic prospects and U.S. bases in the Gulf
Diplomatic prospects for an early end to the war appeared bleak.
While Gulf states host U.S. military bases, they had told Washington they would not allow these to be used for any attacks on Iran.
How do you assess the impact of the attacks on Gulf states on the prospects for de-escalation?