Gulf states urge US to hold off military action against Iran: Report

Arab countries led by Saudi Arabia have urged the Trump administration to hold off on any military action against Iran amid ongoing protests, warning that such a move could destabilise the region and disrupt global oil markets, the Wall Street Journal reported on January 13.

Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar have privately conveyed to the White House that attempts at regime change in Iran could severely impact oil prices and potentially harm the US economy, Arab Gulf officials told the newspaper.

Their primary concern, officials said, is the unpredictable fallout in the region.

US officials have stated that a strike on Iran is “more likely than not,” though no details have been shared. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump continues to keep “all options on the table,” including airstrikes, while maintaining that diplomacy remains the preferred route.

However, Trump later announced that talks with Iranian officials had been cancelled amid a continued crackdown on protesters, posting “HELP IS ON ITS WAY” on his Truth Social platform.

Arab nations fear that any military escalation could disrupt oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz — a key maritime chokepoint through which nearly 20% of global oil supplies pass. Saudi officials have reportedly assured Tehran that Riyadh would not allow US forces to use its airspace for strikes.

Saudi Arabia is also wary that regional instability could trigger unrest at home and derail its Vision 2030 reform agenda, which focuses on economic diversification, tourism and reducing reliance on oil revenues.