Gulf warns of Israeli ‘escalation’ after Iran strikes

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia led warnings in the Persian Gulf on Saturday (26 October) of Israeli “escalation”, following Israel strikes military targets in Iranwhich supports Lebanese Hezbollah and Palestinian militants Hamas, already at war with Israel.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expresses its condemnation and condemnation” of the Israeli strikes and emphasizes its “firm position rejecting the escalation of the conflict in the region” which “threatens the security and stability of countries and peoples” in the Middle East, X’s Foreign Ministry said.

Israel blamed “Iran and its proxies” for attacks on Israel, including 1 October rocket attack was launched by Iran in a direct attack on Israeli territory, for which Israel promised to retaliate.

Israel has been at war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip for more than a year and last month turned its attention to Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, where it stepped up air strikes and sent ground troops.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry called on “the international community and influential parties to assume their role and responsibility in de-escalating and ending conflicts in the region.”

Qatar, a mediator trying to end the war in Gaza, expressed “deep concern about the serious consequences that may arise from this escalation” by Israel in a foreign ministry statement on Saturday.

The United Arab Emirates also condemned Israel’s attack on Iran and expressed “deep concern” about the “implications for regional security and stability.”

Oman, which has long played a mediating role between Iran and Western countries, said Israel’s attack on Iran “fuels a cycle of violence and undermines efforts” to de-escalate.

It says the international community must “put an end to these flagrant violations in neighboring countries.”

Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned and accused Israel of “threatening the security of the region.”