How are Arab states are responding to US-Israel strikes on Iran?

Arab states are reacting with fear and dismay at the unprovoked US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which threaten to drag the whole of the MENA region into the war.

Since US-Israeli bombing of Iran began Saturday morning, Tehran has launched a series retaliatory strikes against US targets in the MENA region, but resulting in dire consequences for Gulf states, including civilian casualties.

Explosions and interceptions have been reported in other regional states, including Iraq and Syria.

Here is how the region is responding to the crisis.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has called on the international community to condemn the Iranian strikes on Gulf states and take action against Tehran.

"The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemned and denounced in the strongest terms the blatant Iranian aggression and the flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan," the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

"Saudi Arabia affirmed its full solidarity with and unwavering support for the brotherly countries, and its readiness to place all its capabilities at their disposal in support of any measures they may undertake. It also warned of the grave consequences resulting from the continued violation of states’ sovereignty and the principles of international law."

Kuwait

Kuwait's leadership has been in contact with GCC heads and ministers about the crisis, and said it had successfully intercepted missiles in its airspace. 

"Kuwait’s air defence systems engaged incoming missiles detected in the country’s airspace as alerts were activated around US-linked sites," the government said.

Later, it was reported that a strike hit Kuwait airport.

There appeared to be fears of radiation in Kuwait after the US-Israeli strikes on nuclear facilities, with the government assuring citizens that this is not the case.

Qatar

There have been reports of strikes in Doha, with sirens and alerts sounding in the Qatari capital on Saturday and footage of explosions.

Qatar had condemned earlier strikes and said it has the right to respond to any attacks on its territory.

"The State of Qatar strongly condemns the targeting of Qatari territory by Iranian ballistic missiles," the government said. "This constitutes a blatant violation of its national sovereignty. Qatar reserves its full right to respond to this attack."

Bahrain

Bahrain is home to the US Fifth Fleet and has a long, antagonistic relationship with Iran due to political differences.

An Iranian missile struck Manama on Saturday, causing a plume of smoke and flames, in what appears to be a retaliatory attack on the US base.

"The Kingdom of Bahrain strongly condemns this treacherous aggression that forms a direct threat to the kingdom and its citizens," the government said in a statement.

UAE

The UAE has warned residents about falling debris and missiles, saying it is taking all precautionary measures to ensure public safety.

The ministry of defence said its forces had successfully intercepted Iranian ballistic missiles, but that falling wreckage had killed one civilian and caused damage to residential areas.

"The [defence ministry] strongly condemned the attack, affirming the UAE’s categorical rejection of any targeting of civilian objects, facilities and national institutions. It stressed that such acts constitute a dangerous escalation and a cowardly act that threatens the safety of civilians and undermines stability," the WAM state news agency reported.

"The Ministry further stated that the targeting represents a blatant violation of national sovereignty and international law, affirming that the UAE reserves its full right to respond to this escalation and to take all necessary measures to protect its territory, citizens and residents, and to safeguard its sovereignty, security and stability."

Oman

Oman had worked hard to avert a war with Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi in Washington for talks with US Vice President JD Vance on indirect talks between Washington and Tehran.

On Friday, there were indicatins that a deal was close to being reached, but on Saturday morning, Sayyid Badr struck a more sombre note when the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran.

"I am dismayed. Active and serious negotiations have yet again been undermined," Sayyid Badr Albusaidi said in a statement on X.

"Neither the interests of the United States nor the cause of global peace are well served by this. And I pray for the innocents who will suffer. I urge the United States not to get sucked in further. This is not your war."

Other states

Jordan, which has been downing Iranian missiles heading for Israel, has called for de-escalation as it is thrust into a war it never desired.

"[Jordan] condemned in the strongest terms Iran's attack on Jordanian territory with ballistic missiles, as well as the attacks on the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Qatar and the State of Kuwait", and urged "the need for restraint and the adoption of diplomatic solutions and dialogue", the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has also said he was working to keep his country out of the war, including via diplomatic contact with regional leaders.

"I reiterate that we will not accept anyone dragging the country into adventures that threaten its security and unity," Salam said on X.

"In light of the serious developments unfolding in the region, I once again call on all Lebanese to act with wisdom and patriotism, placing Lebanon and the Lebanese people's interests above any other consideration."

Iraq, which is being targeted by both sides, called for an immediate cessation of violence and warned against Baghdad being dragged into the war.

Sabah Al-Numan, the military spokesman for the prime minister, warned of the "consequences of the blatant aggression" against Iraqi sites, but also condemned the "unjustified aggression against the Islamic Republic".

Syrian authorities, meanwhile, have remained largely silent on the attacks, but confirmed that four people were killed in an explosion, which is said to be related to the Iran strikes.