Three US-allied Gulf Arab nations have launched behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts to prevent military action on Iran amid threats of strikes by US President Donald Trump.
Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman are concerned that military action against Iran could have wide-ranging consequences for the Middle East, a regional official with knowledge of the matter told CNN.
“Any military escalation will have consequences for the wider region, including its security and economy,” the official said.
Trump has warned Iran against killing protesters, saying the US would take “strong action.” He has also encouraged protesters to keep demonstrating, saying “help is on its way.”
Some Arab governments have also warned that an attack “could have the opposite effect” for ongoing protests, and “unite Iranians on both sides behind the regime,” the official said.
CNN has reached out to the governments of Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar for comment.
Senior Iranian officials have warned that any military attack by the US on Iran would trigger reprisals targeting American interests across the region. Several Gulf Arab countries host US military bases and personnel, facilities that Iran has previously threatened or targeted.
