"As partners with the United States, we want to ensure they understand our common stance and assessment. We also wish to comprehend US evaluations as clearly as possible, but we are not receiving that information," a senior government official from a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member state told Fox News on 30/1. Fox News is a right-leaning media outlet favored by US President Donald Trump.
The GCC comprises six nations: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. All are vital US allies and partners in the Gulf region.
The official further stated that the US has yet to share its objectives or plans concerning Iran with its Gulf allies, despite a Saudi Arabian delegation having visited Washington.
 |
US President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Royal Palace in Riyadh on 13/5/2025. Photo: AP.
The official affirmed that while the US is welcome in Saudi Arabia, Riyadh maintains its position of not supporting Washington, as it did during last year's 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran.
"Saudi Arabia will not permit the US to use its airspace for targeting Houthi or Iran. The kingdom will not allow any party to utilize its airspace in a conflict that Riyadh is not a participant in," the official stated.
The US has recently deployed additional assets to the Middle East. This comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, triggered by anti-government protests that erupted in Iran in late 12/2025.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly raised the possibility of supporting protestors, even suggesting airstrikes against Iran. However, Washington's allies have cautioned the US leader about the lasting repercussions of such an attack.
On 30/1, President Trump suggested Iran sought a deal with the US. However, the senior Gulf official remarked, "We do not see that happening soon." The official added that Gulf states are advising the US on achieving positive outcomes through all available measures, including diplomacy.
Concurrently, Gulf officials are also counseling Iran, expressing their hope for the nation to achieve prosperity, support its populace, and emerge as a positive, influential regional actor.
"We anticipate a more stable and prosperous Middle East as the outcome," the official stated.
Saudi Arabian Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman, accompanied by approximately 15 Middle East experts, met with US officials in Washington on 30/1. Following the one-hour meeting, an unnamed Arab official indicated that Saudi Arabia finds itself "stuck" between two scenarios: US airstrikes on Iran, which risk "negative repercussions", or inaction, which could embolden Tehran.
Iran's Army Commander Amir Hatami today warned the United States and Israel of severe consequences should they attack his country, asserting that Tehran's forces are prepared for defense and combat.
