Gulf Arab states say Iran has 'crossed every red line' after launching missile and drone attacks on airports, oil facilities and commercial sites across the region and disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. While they did not initially call for war, several Gulf leaders now believe the United States should not halt its campaign until Iran’s military capabilities are significantly weakened, fearing Tehran could continue threatening the region’s energy infrastructure and economies.

Iran’s actions, including its ability to interfere with traffic through the strategic waterway that carries roughly one fifth of the world’s oil supply, have intensified concerns that it could hold global energy markets hostage in future crises. Gulf officials worry that unless Iran’s offensive capacity is reduced, the region will face a permanent threat to oil production, desalination plants and civilian infrastructure.

At the same time, Gulf governments remain cautious about being drawn into a wider regional war. Although some support stronger action against Iran, there is little consensus on direct military involvement, and leaders fear retaliation if they act alone. For now, they are pursuing what analysts describe as calculated restraint, balancing the need to defend their sovereignty with the risk of escalating a conflict they did not initiate.