Fall of Iran a cause for GCC celebration

15/03/2026

KUWAIT CITY, March 15: The Editor-in-Chief of Arab Times and Al-Seyassah newspapers and the Dean of Kuwaiti journalism, Ahmed Al-Jarallah, says, “The fall of Iran is undoubtedly a cause for celebration, as we in the GCC countries have suffered from Iranian obstinacy,” reports Al-Seyassah daily.

In an interview with Al-Arabiya TV on Saturday night, Al-Jarallah highlighted that the Gulf states tried to build good relations with Iran, but the Iranians chose a different path, attempting to export their revolution to neighboring countries. He pointed to Iran’s efforts to influence the genetic and cultural makeup of the region’s peoples, calling it unacceptable.

Al-Jarallah said, “We all remember when Iranian officials declared their control over four Arab capitals - Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen - in a statement that alarmed the entire Arabian Peninsula. We observed how the new Iranian Supreme Leader thanked the Houthis, Hezbollah, and the Iraqis who cooperate with Iran.”

Al-Jarallah expressed satisfaction with the progress made in curbing Iranian infl uence. He affirmed that he continuously monitors the situation in the region and all Iranian statements, indicating that Iran missed an opportunity to improve relations with the countries of the region and could have been a partner to the Gulf states.

Al-Jarallah expressed regret over Iranian statements, including the president’s speech, stating that he does not believe there is a functioning Supreme Leader in Iran, as there are indications that the leader may have been killed or injured. He affirmed that the language of the speech attributed to the new Supreme Leader mirrors that of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard rather than a Supreme Leader, noting that the language of the previous Supreme Leader was also different.

Al-Jarallah went on to say, “The Iranian regime has harmed the entire region. Since 1979, we have suffered in our relations with it. The regime has squandered numerous opportunities. Observers of the Iranian regime’s statements during the 12-day war or in the current war will find them inaccurate, even false.” He noted that the Gulf Cooperation Council countries have confirmed that no attacks will be launched from American bases on their territories.

Al-Jarallah clarified, “If the Iranian regime has a problem with Israel or America, then let it strike America.” He explained that the Iranian regime has launched missiles and drones at Gulf countries more than at Israel. Iran has not targeted American bases but has struck residential buildings and vital infrastructure in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, especially the Kingdom of Bahrain, which suffered attacks on its infrastructure, markets, and streets.

Kuwait has also been targeted, with attacks on buildings and residential complexes. The people of the region are frustrated with Iran’s actions. Al-Jarallah asked, “Why does the Iranian regime deploy spies in the region to obtain coordinates for attacks on Kuwait, Bahrain, and the UAE? Does this not reveal a hidden hostile intent against the Gulf states?”