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The escalating tensions in the Middle East continue to simmer, with Iran issuing a stern warning to US allies, particularly those rich in oil, of dire consequences if their airspace is used against Tehran. This threat, reported by The Wall Street Journal, has prompted Arab nations to inform the Biden administration that they will not support any attack on Iran. The warning follows Israel's declaration of brutal retaliation against Iran after Iranian ballistic missile strikes.
According to the WSJ, Iran has conveyed these threats through diplomatic channels to several countries, including Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, all of which host US troops. These nations have unequivocally stated that they will not allow their military infrastructure or airspace to be used by the US or Israel for any offensive operations against Iran. The concerns of these Arab states highlight the potential for wider regional conflict if Israel were to launch an attack on Iran.
In a separate but related development, the United States expanded sanctions against Iran's petroleum and petrochemical sectors on Friday in response to the Iranian missile attack on Israel. These measures are part of an executive order targeting key sectors of the Iranian economy, aiming to deny the government funds for its nuclear and missile programs. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan declared, "These measures will help further deny Iran financial resources used to support its missile programs and provide support for terrorist groups that threaten the United States, its allies, and partners."
The US Treasury Department has the authority to impose sanctions on any individual involved in Iran's petroleum and petrochemical sectors. The sanctions also encompass 16 entities and 17 vessels, which have been identified as participating in petroleum and petrochemical shipments in support of the National Iranian Oil Company. Simultaneously, the State Department imposed sanctions on six entities involved in Tehran's petroleum trade and designated six vessels as blocked property, aiming to disrupt the flow of funds to Iran's weapons programs and its support for "terrorist proxies and partners."
The escalation of tensions between Iran and Israel, with the US entangled in the mix, underscores the delicate balance of power in the Middle East and the potential for conflict to spread. The US is attempting to navigate a complex situation, seeking to prevent a wider war while simultaneously addressing its concerns regarding Iran's nuclear program and its support for regional militant groups. However, the potential for a miscalculation or escalation of hostilities remains a significant concern, highlighting the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation and find a path towards a peaceful resolution.
Source: Iran's stern warning to oil-rich US allies: Don't help Israel against Tehran, or you're next'