'Bad for business': Gulf states scramble to avert wider war

FILE PHOTO: Objects are seen in the sky above Jerusalem after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel , in Jerusalem April 14, 2024. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun/File PhotoThe desert countries lie across the Gulf from Iran , placing them on the doorstep of the latest crisis after months of tensions generated by the Israel -Hamas war in Gaza.

On Monday , Qatar's emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, spoke to the Iranian president about the"need to reduce all forms of escalation and avoid the expansion of conflict in the region", the official Qatar News Agency reported. Much is at stake for the wealthy, US-friendly Gulf states, whose expensive economic diversification plans, aimed at securing their futures post-fossil fuels, rely on a peaceful environment for business and tourism.Top oil exporter Saudi Arabia has been the biggest spender, pledging hundreds of billions for new cities and leisure attractions as part of Prince Mohammed's flagship Vision 2030 economic transformation plan.

"Iran just learned how difficult it is to target Israel thousands of miles away but the GCC with its proximity and massive size compared to Israel is a different story," he added.Middle East on edge after Israel vows 'response' to Iran strikes "Saudi will be definitely pushing for the US to pressure Israel for a ceasefire in Gaza and also to not respond to Iranian attacks," said Umer Karim, researcher of Saudi foreign policy and politics at Britain's University of Birmingham.And Qatar has leverage as the host of Al-Udeid, the region's biggest US military base, said Krieg.

"Qatar is very particular because of Al-Udeid," Krieg said, explaining that Doha would likely continue"telling the Americans, they can't use their airspace, can't use their bases to launch attacks against Iran".

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