Security analyst Yair Goldblatt argues that Gulf states publicly deny allowing US or Israeli use of their territory for strikes on Iran, but in practice enable it — and that Tehran sees through the ruse. Qatar's foreign minister was quoted saying Iran is a neighbor 'there must be understandings between us.' Goldblatt concludes the Gulf states must pick a side openly.
Security and Middle East analyst Yair Goldblatt published an analysis Monday evening arguing that the Gulf states are running a dual strategy toward Iran. Publicly, all Gulf states have issued statements denying they would allow the US or Israel to use their territory for strikes on Iran, Goldblatt notes — but in reality, the US has routinely used Gulf territory for staging, technical support, and force landings during operations against Iran.
Goldblatt cites a recent statement by Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who said: 'Iran is a neighboring country. There must be understandings between us and it.' The analyst interprets this as Gulf states positioning themselves to maintain plausible deniability with Tehran in case the current military campaign does not topple the regime.
He argues that Iran is not fooled by the double game, pointing to past Iranian strikes on Gulf states. Goldblatt concludes the Gulf states must choose a side openly — either under US-Israeli protection in the Middle East, or on Iran's side — and that Israel's role is to prove it is worth joining its camp. 'In the Middle East, you go with the strongest in the neighborhood,' he writes.
This analysis reflects an ongoing debate within Israeli security circles about Gulf alignment — as The Zioneer has previously reported on Iran's warnings to Gulf states against allowing US or Israeli forces to use their territory. Goldblatt has also previously warned that Iran is using President Trump to pressure Israel on Lebanon.
- StrongAnalyst: Gulf states that backed anti-Iran regime push now face Tehran's retribution
- DevelopingIsraeli analyst warns Iran will not be allowed to dictate Lebanon policy
- DevelopingAnalysis: Goldblatt warns Iran using Trump as leverage to pressure Israel on Lebanon
- DevelopingAnalysis: Goldblatt warns Israel against succumbing to US diplomatic pressure on Lebanon
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