Trump's Iran threat renews Gulf fears of a war it didn't choose
SPY•Donald Trump again threatened military action against Iran, and four European officials said the US had enough forces in the region to attack at short notice. Gulf governments fear Iranian retaliation against US bases and civilian infrastructure, and are pursuing diplomacy to avert renewed conflict.
1. Threat raises regional fears
Trump said he could launch “another little Operation Epic Fury” after Tuesday’s midterm elections. Four European officials said the US had amassed enough forces and assets in the region to attack Iran at short notice, possibly as soon as this week. A European official in close contact with Gulf leaders said, “War is coming,” adding that nobody supported it.
2. Bases could become targets
Iranian officials told Reuters that Tehran had drawn up target lists for retaliation, including military bases and undersea communications cables. Gulf officials and conference delegates warned that energy infrastructure, desalination plants, communications networks and visible targets in Gulf cities could also be at risk. Egypt’s foreign minister said another round of fighting would be more dangerous and destructive than the last.
3. Diplomacy to avert conflict
Saudi, Turkish and Pakistani officials held talks with Iranian officials in Tehran last month, while Qatari officials met with Iranian counterparts over the weekend. UAE senior official Anwar Gargash said the UAE hoped for a diplomatic breakthrough but was “braced for the worst.”
