Saudi arabia: Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have conducted separate military strikes inside Iran, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. This development was reported by the New York Times, citing current and former senior US officials. The strikes were in retaliation for Iranian attacks on Saudi and UAE territories during the recent war involving the United States and Israel.
According to Ghana News Agency, the military operations by Saudi Arabia and the UAE represent the first instance of direct attacks on Iranian soil by these two Arab nations. Details concerning the timing and specific targets of the operations remain undisclosed, and no official confirmations have been provided by either Saudi Arabia or the UAE regarding their involvement in the strikes.
During the recent conflict, Iran launched several attacks on strategic targets within Saudi Arabia and the UAE, resulting in substantial damage. The United States, which maintains military bases in both Gulf countries, has been a central player in the broader regional tensions. The rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran is deeply rooted in both geopolitical competition and sectarian differences, with Saudi Arabia adhering to Sunni Islam and Iran to Shiite Islam.
The relationship between the UAE and Iran has also been fraught with tension. As a principal ally of the United States, the UAE has strengthened ties with Israel, a nation considered a major adversary by Iran. This dynamic adds another layer of complexity to the already volatile regional landscape.