AS the US-Iran war drags on, new battle lines are being drawn. The pro-US Gulf Arab monarchies and Iran have enjoyed a chequered history, specifically after the latter’s Islamic Revolution of 1979. But now, in the midst of the current conflict, the Arabs and Iranians are moving dangerously close to direct confrontation.
One manifestation of this is the new maritime defence coalition that Saudi Arabia has just announced. At least 14 countries, among them Pakistan, Egypt and Turkiye, have signed a joint statement supporting the coalition that seeks to “strengthen maritime security” in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and the Bab al-Mandeb strait.
The development comes after the pro-Iran Yemeni Houthi militia announced a blockade of Saudi ports last month. Many saw the Houthi move as an Iranian pressure tactic to complement the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. While Tehran’s decision-makers may have sought to hurt the US and its allies with these closures, the truth is that they were affecting the entire international community, including some of Tehran’s own allies.
The result is that due to Iran’s hard line on Hormuz, and the Houthis’ move against the Saudis, Riyadh is developing a defence coalition apparently aimed at Iran and its allies. While Tehran’s mistrust of the US and Israel is understandable, its uncompromising posture is alienating many of its neighbours, and isolating it further. Much of the internal situation in Iran is the direct result of the US-Israeli aggression, as the more pragmatic figures have been assassinated, leaving relatively hard-line factions, such as the Pasdaran, to call the shots, especially in foreign policy. Those within the Iranian establishment who believe in maintaining better ties with their neighbours need to prevail on their compatriots, and rethink Tehran’s rigid approach.
It is evident that as the Iranians and Arabs move towards open confrontation, Israel is watching on with glee. During the Iran-Iraq war, then Israeli prime minister Menachem Begin was reported to have said that he wished “them both success”. One assumes the current Israeli regime has similar feelings towards the Arab-Iran stand-off. The situation demands wisdom and restraint from all sides.
Once this war is over, America may leave, but the Arabs and Iranians have to live in the region. Hence, matters need to be addressed before they spiral out of control. The GCC and other Arab states and Iran must, among themselves, resolve to halt attacks on each other. Moreover, the Arabs should see to it that their soil is not used by foreign aggressors against Iran. Tehran, similarly, should ensure there is free passage for vessels through the region’s maritime chokepoints. Unless all sides show statesmanship, an ugly new chapter in this conflict is likely to open.
Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2026
