The news
On the eve of the US presidential election, the threat of escalation between Israel and Iran is increasing as Tehran hints at accelerating its nuclear program and reportedly prepares its response to the October 26 Israeli attacks on the country. These attacks brought to the fore the delicate dance between the two enemies, which includes the wars in Gaza and Lebanon and affects the Gulf’s strategic economic interests.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that the “highest goal” of Israel’s security services was “to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.” The next day, the Pentagon announced that the US was strengthening its presence in the region, sending bombers, fighter jets and additional Navy warships.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameini, meanwhile, threatened a “crushing response” to Israel’s Oct. 26 strikes that undermined Iran’s air defenses, while The Wall Street Journal said Iranian diplomats warned Arab counterparts that any strike would bring more powerful nuclear warheads would be used than in previous attacks. A Khamenei aide also said Friday that Tehran could continue developing nuclear weapons if Western countries “do not respect our concerns, especially regarding Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” (Tehran’s options are limited, however: U.S. and Israeli officials believe last month’s attacks left Iran “badly exposed,” according to The Journal.)
At the Future Investment Initiative forum in Riyadh last week, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan emphasized the importance of de-escalation. In rare political remarks at the economic and financial conference, he said Iran knew prolonging a cycle of violence was not in their interests and urged all sides, including Israel, to reduce tensions.
Riyadh – like other major capitals – has a vested interest in any kind of calm: missile attacks on ships crossing the Red Sea have hampered global trade, and a recent calm along that route remains crucial to Saudi Arabia’s economic goals.
