America only protecting Israel, abandoned all Gulf states that host its military bases: Saudi official

The ongoing military confrontation between the United States, Israel, and Iran has deepened into a broader regional crisis, as Iran continues to attack the Gulf states that are long-aligned with Washington. Meanwhile, in a rare public criticism, a senior Saudi official accused the United States of only protecting Israel while abandoning the Gulf states that host its military bases. 

In remarks circulating online attributed to an interview with Al Jazeera, the Saudi official accused the United States of prioritizing Israel over the Gulf states. He said, Washington ‘abandoned us’ and left us ' at the mercy of Iranian missiles and drones.’

Escalation Follows U.S.–Israeli Strikes on Iran

The current crisis erupted after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes inside Iran aimed at strategic and leadership targets. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was reportedly killed in the initial strikes, triggering a wide-ranging response from Tehran.

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In retaliation, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched barrages of missiles and drones not only toward Israel but also across the Gulf region. These included attacks on U.S. military assets and regional infrastructure in Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan — marking one of the most extensive Iranian counteroffensives in the Gulf’s history.

Gulf Governments Condemn Iranian Action, Stress Unity

Despite the criticism implied in the Saudi official’s remarks, official statements from Riyadh and other Gulf governments have primarily condemned Iran’s attacks and called for a united response. In a joint statement, the United States, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE reiterated their right to self-defense after Iranian strikes, stressing their commitment to protect citizens and sovereignty.

Saudi Arabia and GCC condemnations emphatically labelled Iranian missile assaults as violations of international law and blatant aggression, offering support and cooperation with allies to counter further strikes.

Regional Impact and Wider Conflict Dynamics

1. The conflict has spread beyond Iran’s borders:
2. Israeli airstrikes have expanded into Lebanon and continued against Iranian and Hezbollah positions.
3. Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Lebanon have intensified attacks on U.S. and allied forces.
4. The U.N. Security Council held emergency talks, with U.N. leaders condemning violence and urging de-escalation while Russia and China call for a halt to hostilities.