Arab nations are voicing strong criticism following Iran’s launch of strikes against U.S. assets in neighboring regional countries. These actions were taken in retaliation for joint U.S.-Israeli strikes targeting Iranian leadership.
According to a report from Jennifer Griffin, the Iranian retaliation struck multiple locations, though U.S. bases in Oman were notably excluded. This omission is attributed to Omani diplomatic efforts, as the Omani foreign minister had been mediating nuclear talks in Geneva and even traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with Vice President JD Vance at the White House on Friday in an attempt to prevent a rapidly escalating regional war.
Griffin’s report indicated that around 40 missiles struck Israel. Separately, U.S. forces in Iraq successfully intercepted at least one missile aimed at American facilities. Iran also seemed to have struck the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet, though no casualties were reported from that incident.
Further reports from Griffin stated that Iran launched missile attacks against Saudi Arabia and Jordan, both of which host squadrons of advanced U.S. fighter jets.
Nations including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates were among those denouncing the Iranian strikes. Several affirmed their reserved right to self-defense and to respond appropriately to any attacks on their sovereign soil.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry asserted its “full right” to defend itself following what it characterized as attacks targeting Qatari territory. The Qatari Defense Ministry stated it had “successfully thwarted a number of attacks targeting the country’s territory” after several alert sirens were activated. Officials reported no immediate injuries or damage in residential zones.
Saudi Arabia declared its “full solidarity with and unwavering support for the brotherly countries” and cautioned about “grave consequences resulting from the continued violation of states’ sovereignty and the principles of international law.”
The United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Defense reported the nation “was subjected to a blatant attack involving Iranian ballistic missiles,” noting that its air defense systems “successfully intercepted a number of missiles.” Authorities confirmed that falling debris in a residential area resulted in “one civilian death of an Asian nationality” along with property damage.
The UAE ministry labeled the assault “a dangerous escalation and a cowardly act that threatens the safety of civilians and undermines stability,” and emphasized that the UAE “reserves its full right to respond.”
Jordan’s foreign minister issued a statement, conveying that King Abdullah II “condemns the attack on the territories of Jordan, and any attacks on Arab countries,” and expressing Jordan’s “solidarity with the brotherly Arab countries in confronting any aggressions that affect their sovereignty, security, and stability.”
Egypt also stated it “strongly condemns the Iranian attacks,” adding that it “affirms its full solidarity with these fellow Arab States and firmly rejects any violation of their sovereignty, any threat to their security, or any action undermining their stability.”
In a separate development, the Omani Foreign Ministry condemned the initial U.S.-Israeli operation against Iran.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the Sultanate of Oman’s profound regret over the military operations launched by Israel and the United States of America against the Islamic Republic of Iran, warning of the danger of the conflict expanding into consequences that cannot be rectified in the region,” the Omani Foreign Ministry said, according to a translation from X.
“The Sultanate of Oman considers this action to be in contravention of the rules of international law and the principle of resolving issues through peaceful means rather than hostile means, the shedding of blood, and calls on all parties to immediately suspend military operations, while urging the United Nations Security Council to convene an urgent meeting to impose a ceasefire and for the international community to take a clear stance in support of international law,” the statement continued.
Digital’s Efrat Lachter contributed to this report.