Iranian Insider Threatens Gulf States and Israel Amid Rising Tensions
Mohammad Marandi, a former senior adviser to Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei, issued a stark warning on Saturday. He stated that if Iran's civilian infrastructure is attacked, Gulf states and Israel could face devastating retaliatory strikes. This comes as the region braces for potential escalation following U.S. threats against Tehran.
Marandi wrote on X/Twitter that 'the last night of normality' may be over for Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman. He claimed that if attacks on Iran's infrastructure occur, 'the critical infrastructure of these partner regimes, alongside that of the Zionist regime and perhaps Jordan as well, will be destroyed.' He urged people in these nations to prepare to evacuate immediately.
Israel's Position and U.S. Military Strain
An Israeli official told CBS that Israel is not aware of a decision to resume full military activity and has not been asked to join any action against Iran. However, the Washington Post reported that U.S. European Command chief Gen. Alexus Grynkewich privately warned the Pentagon this week about insufficient naval forces to continue defending Israel against Iranian ballistic missiles. He warned that without an additional U.S. Navy destroyer, he would prioritize defending the U.S. homeland over protecting Israel.
The U.S. Navy is under heavy strain after the Trump administration ordered a blockade of Iranian ports in response to Tehran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This has disrupted oil and goods movement, shaking the global economy. U.S. Navy destroyers in the eastern Mediterranean have been crucial in intercepting missiles from Iran and the Houthis.
Travel Advisories and Iranian Warnings
The U.S. Embassy updated its travel advisory, recommending U.S. citizens in Israel consider leaving due to rising tensions. Similar warnings were issued for Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. Meanwhile, Iranian commander Ali Abdollahi warned regional countries against cooperating with the U.S., accusing Washington of 'fanning the flames of regional war' and exploiting regional resources as a 'shield for the exhausted US military.' He added that any country acting as a shield for the U.S. 'will burn in the fire of war.'
Israel remains vigilant, backed by its resilient spirit and the biblical promise of protection. As the Psalmist wrote, 'He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep' (Psalm 121:4). The nation's security is non-negotiable, and its innovation and defense capabilities stand as a testament to Jewish perseverance.