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The ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran are not just a bilateral issue—they ripple across the entire Middle East, reshaping alliances, influencing security policies, and drawing sharp divisions among regional powers. Nations such as Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the Gulf States have historically viewed both Iran and Israel through complex, shifting lenses of rivalry, pragmatism, and realpolitik.
This article examines how key regional players are responding to the intensifying confrontation between Israel and Iran and what these responses reveal about the broader strategic dynamics of the Middle East.
1. Saudi Arabia: Balancing Deterrence and Diplomacy
For decades, Saudi Arabia and Iran have been bitter regional rivals, divided along sectarian (Sunni-Shia) lines and geopolitical interests. Saudi Arabia views Iran’s influence in Yemen, Lebanon, Iraq, and Syria as direct threats to Arab security. At the same time, the Saudi stance toward Israel has shifted in recent years.
Recent Developments:
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In 2023–2024, China brokered a diplomatic thaw between Saudi Arabia and Iran, leading to resumed relations after years of hostility.
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However, despite the détente, Saudi Arabia remains deeply suspicious of Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its support for regional militias.
On Israel:
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Saudi Arabia has not officially normalized relations with Israel but has engaged in quiet security coordination, especially on countering Iran.
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Riyadh is watching the conflict closely, seeking to avoid being drawn into a direct confrontation while benefiting from regional realignment.
Bottom line: Saudi Arabia supports curbing Iran’s regional power, but prefers diplomacy and U.S.-led containment over direct conflict.
2. Turkey: Playing Both Sides
Turkey, under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has pursued an independent foreign policy, often balancing between opposing camps. Ankara has ties to both Tehran and Tel Aviv, though relations with each have fluctuated over the years.
With Iran:
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Turkey and Iran share economic ties and cooperate on some regional issues like trade and border security.
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However, they compete for influence in Syria, Iraq, and the Caucasus, with Turkey backing Sunni factions and Iran backing Shiite ones.
With Israel:
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Turkey-Israel relations were strained for years, but diplomatic normalization resumed in 2022.
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Turkey continues to criticize Israeli actions in Gaza but is also seeking economic and intelligence cooperation.
Bottom line: Turkey is trying to maintain strategic autonomy, avoid war, and position itself as a regional mediator if the conflict escalates.
3. United Arab Emirates (UAE): Strategic Alignment with Israel
The UAE normalized relations with Israel in 2020 under the Abraham Accords, making it a key player in the anti-Iran axis. The UAE views Iran as a major threat, particularly due to:
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Iran’s support for the Houthi rebels in Yemen,
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Historical disputes over Gulf islands,
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Iranian missile capabilities.
However, the UAE also has economic ties with Iran and seeks to avoid open military conflict that would damage its role as a trade hub.
Recent Stance:
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UAE leaders have called for de-escalation and diplomatic dialogue between Israel and Iran.
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While maintaining cooperation with Israel, they emphasize regional stability and economic interests.
Bottom line: The UAE supports Israel strategically but avoids war; it prefers containment through deterrence and diplomacy.
4. Qatar and Oman: The Neutral Mediators
Qatar and Oman have traditionally played neutral roles in regional conflicts, offering themselves as intermediaries in Israel-Iran tensions.
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Qatar hosts U.S. military bases but also maintains open channels with Iran and Islamist groups like Hamas.
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Oman has historically facilitated secret talks between the U.S. and Iran, including during the Iran nuclear deal negotiations.
These states prioritize diplomacy and dialogue, fearing that any war would destabilize the Gulf and harm energy markets.
Bottom line: Both countries act as go-betweens and seek to de-escalate tensions through diplomacy.
5. Broader Arab League and Muslim World
The Arab League is divided on how to respond:
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Some states condemn Israel’s actions, particularly regarding Palestinian casualties.
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Others view Iran as the greater threat due to its sectarian policies and proxy militias.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), meanwhile, has struggled to present a united front, reflecting the fragmentation of the Muslim world on geopolitical issues.
Conclusion: A Region on Edge
The Israel-Iran conflict acts as a litmus test for the shifting alliances in the Middle East:
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Former enemies like Israel and the Gulf States are now cooperating against Iran.
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Traditional rivals like Saudi Arabia and Iran are cautiously engaging, but distrust runs deep.
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Powers like Turkey and Qatar are trying to balance interests and avoid entanglement.
As the risk of open war grows, regional players will likely continue walking a tightrope between confrontation and containment. Their responses will shape not just the future of the Israel-Iran conflict, but the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East for years to come.