Iran warns Gulf states against assisting US military

Iran’s Chief of Staff, Maj. Gen. Ali Abdollahi, has warned Gulf nations that providing any assistance or facilitation to the United States military would be considered participation in US military operations. The warning follows heightened regional tensions and the ongoing conflict between Iran and the US, which began on February 28 following US-Israeli attacks on the Islamic Republic.

Abdollahi expressed skepticism regarding previous assurances from Middle Eastern countries that they would not allow US forces to use their territory as a launchpad for attacks. He noted that the presence of significant US military aircraft, specifically aerial refueling tankers, at regional bases is unlikely to occur without the knowledge of host nations.

The warning follows the United Arab Emirates' decision to sever economic ties with Tehran after Iran reportedly fired ballistic missiles at vessels off the UAE coast. Tensions remain high in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital trade corridor, following the collapse of a US-Iran deal intended to reopen the waterway. Meanwhile, the USS George Washington aircraft carrier is being redeployed to the Middle East to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln.