Gulf states urge Trump to avoid attack on Iran: Report
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Gulf states led by Saudi Arabia seek to dissuade Trump from attacking Iran.
- Warnings focus on economic disruption, oil market instability, and regional unrest.
Gulf nations, spearheaded by Saudi Arabia, are pressing the administration of US President Donald Trump to refrain from any military action against Iran, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Unnamed sources told the newspaper on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia is leading efforts to convince Washington against intervening militarily in Tehran. The push comes amid escalating threats from Trump, who has recently called for regime change in Iran and encouraged Iranians to overthrow state institutions.
Economic Risks Highlighted
Officials from Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar reportedly warned that any strike could destabilize oil markets and ultimately harm the US economy. Concerns also center on potential disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the risk of wider regional instability.
Read more: Iran vows fast trials over protests after Trump threat
Saudi sources confirmed that Riyadh will not participate in a potential conflict with Iran and will not allow its airspace to be used for attacks.
Trump Weighs Options
White House sources told the Wall Street Journal that Trump has not made a final decision on Iran. He is reportedly consulting with advisers to evaluate available options, which may include strikes on Iranian facilities, cyberattacks, new sanctions, and support for opposition accounts on social media.
Domestic Unrest in Iran
The warnings come amid ongoing protests across Iran. Demonstrations began in Tehran on December 28, 2025, over the falling value of the rial and worsening economic conditions, later spreading to multiple cities.
President Masoud Bazhkian acknowledged public discontent and accepted government responsibility for the economic crisis, urging officials not to blame foreign actors such as the United States.
Read more: Trump says endgame in Iran is “winning”
Violence has escalated, prompting a nationwide internet shutdown on January 9, 2026. Reports from the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) indicate 2,550 deaths, including 147 security personnel, 1,134 injuries, and 18,434 arrests.
The situation highlights the fragile balance Gulf states are urging Washington to consider before taking any steps that could further destabilize the region.
