Arab countries have asked the Trump administration to pull off their plans to strike Tehran amid the protests in Iran, as reported by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ).
The Gulf countries have maintained silence over the nationwide deadly protest, which has killed at least 2500 people, but Oman and Qatar have reportedly told Qatar that an attempt at regime change in Iran would severely affect the oil markets and even result in a setback to the US economy, Arab Gulf officials said. The focal point of concern is the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow maritime chokepoint through which approximately 20% of the world’s seaborne oil passes daily. As per the U.S. officials, the attack is “more likely than not.”
“All options are on the table, and airstrikes would be one of the many, many options that are on the table for the Commander in Chief. Diplomacy is always the first option for the President.” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.
Meanwhile, Trump on Tuesday said that he had called off the plans to talk with Iranian officials as the government’s crackdown lingered. Taking to social media, he said, “Help is on its way,” ostensibly telling this to protestors.
At the same time, Saudi Arabia has stepped away from the idea of military actions. As per the reports of the Wall Street Journal, Saudi officials have said that they will prohibit the U.S. from utilizing the Saudi airspace to launch the strike, as the Kingdom does not want to be involved in the conflict.
In yet another report, Iranian authorities said they have seized U.S.-made weapons and explosive devices from several homes, alleging the cache was linked to “cell members” attempting to incite violence during ongoing nationwide protests.
The Intelligence Ministry claimed the seizures, made across multiple provinces, included firearms, ammunition and improvised explosive devices. Officials alleged some suspects were in contact with foreign actors and cited recordings of instructions allegedly issued from abroad.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the United States and Israel of deploying “foreign agents” to destabilise Iran. He also spoke with Pakistan’s foreign minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, as Islamabad urged dialogue and denied claims it could be used as a base for a U.S. strike.
The protests began in late December, though independent verification of the claims is not available
