Iran has escalated its response to US–Israeli strikes by hitting critical energy infrastructure across the Gulf — from LNG facilities in Qatar and refineries in Saudi Arabia to ports in Dubai and oil tankers in key shipping lanes. This marks a dangerous shift from targeting US military assets to striking the energy lifelines of Gulf states that have tried to remain neutral in the conflict. Analysts warn these attacks could drag Gulf countries into direct confrontation with Iran, even as regional leaders emphasise diplomacy, de-escalation and restraint while reassessing their security red lines. President Trump says the US operation against Iran is “ahead of schedule”, but shifting timelines and mixed messages raise serious questions about Washington’s long-term strategy and endgame. In this Al Jazeera English discussion from Doha, Qatar, Faisal Al Mudahka, Editor-in-Chief of Gulf Times, Abdulaziz Algashian, Senior Non-Resident Fellow at the Gulf International Forum, and Paul Musgrave, Associate Professor of Government at Georgetown University in Qatar, analyse Iran’s decision to target Gulf energy assets, the potential responses from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and other GCC states, and whether diplomacy and Gulf leverage over Washington can still prevent a wider regional war.
