Without doubt, the multinational maritime defense coalition formed by Saudi Arabia, with the participation of Kuwait and other Gulf states, is a significant step toward strengthening regional maritime security and a fitting response to Iranian aggression, whether direct or through Tehran's proxies in the region. The coalition affirms the legitimate right to secure regional maritime routes, which are being subjected to unprecedented terrorist operations that have threatened maritime security and supply chains.
This coalition was formed after a move welcomed by all the Gulf citizens -- the Saudi response to the attempts of Iranian-backed groups to destabilize regional security and attack oil facilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This step was taken after a period of considerable patience by the Gulf states, as they allowed diplomatic efforts and political dialogue to prevent escalation over the past six months. The Iranian side, along with its outlaw militias in Iraq and Yemen, failed to grasp such dangers and continued to perpetrate terrorist crimes. These villains always argued that they are not bombing the Gulf states, but rather the American military bases in the region. Strangely, Iran and its proxies have not targeted Israel even if it is hosting active bases, American weapons depots, and other logistical support reserves. It is worth noting that the American bases in the Gulf states have been inactive for some time.
The launching of drones and missiles at Gulf states and the targeting of vital infrastructure confirm that the intention of Iran is not to fight against the United States and Israel, but rather to weaken the Gulf states and attempt to dominate them in the implementation of its expansionist project, which I have written about at length.
A Lebanese proverb applies to such a situation: “He could not beat my father, so he attacked my mother.” This is the reality of Iranian policy, which has been unable to fight against the United States directly, especially since it has two aircraft carriers and more than 20 warships in the region, in addition to its bases in Israel and some European countries, all of which are being used to attack Iran. Iran has become accustomed to attacking its neighbors, who have been trying to avert the danger through peaceful means. However, the Iranian folly has been intractable. This led to a situation that is no longer acceptable for the governments and leaders of the region.
The legitimate response was wise -- bombing sites of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) or Houthi bases in Yemen. The Iranian leaders said, “An eye for an eye.” This principle applies to them as well. The proof is that a Saudi aircraft bombed bases run by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in Iraq. Tehran owned up to the death of five Iranian officers in Iraq, proving the existence of coordination between Iran and the terrorist factions. This coordination is being managed at the back of the Iraqi government, which is working hard to restrict weapons to legitimate forces and prevent the launching of terrorist operations from Iraqi territory.
For 47 years, Iranian leaders, along with their affiliated factions and some mercenaries, have been engaging in deception and misrepresentation, portraying the so-called ‘Iranian Revolution’ as a way of seeking good neighborly relations with the region. The truth is that Iran and its proxies always rush to justify aggression with fabricated stories that not even a child would believe. These events include the Iranian demonstrations during the Hajj season, attempts to assassinate some regional leaders, terrorist bombings in Gulf states, disguised invasion of four Arab countries, creation of sectarian proxies, and incitement of discord among various components of Arab societies. The carefully calculated Saudi and Gulf response came at the right time, conveying a strategic message to Iran and its proxies that patience is over and accountability is on the way.
