Arab States Forge Closer Ties Amid Shared Concerns Over Iran's Regional Influence

Arab states are growing closer due to shared concerns about Iran's increasing influence in the region, according to a report in the Financial Times. Several Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt, have been working to strengthen ties and coordinate their policies in response to Iran's activities in the Middle East.

These efforts aim to counter Iranian influence in countries like Yemen, Syria, and Iraq, where Iran has supported various proxy groups. The shared concerns have helped overcome longstanding rivalries and divisions among Arab states, leading to greater regional cooperation.

This shift reflects the changing geopolitical dynamics in the region, with Iran's growing assertiveness serving as a unifying force for Arab states that previously had divergent interests and agendas.

The cooperation has extended to intelligence sharing between several Gulf states, such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and Israel about Iran's plans to attack the country. This collaboration, spearheaded by the US, is part of an effort to form an informal military partnership to counter threats from Iran in the region.

The intelligence provided by the Gulf states was critical to the success of Israel's air defense measures, which thwarted a massive assault launched by Iran over the weekend, downing almost 99% of the incoming ballistic and cruise missiles as well as drones.

Why this matters: The growing cooperation among Arab states in response to Iran's regional influence marks a significant development in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. This shift could have far-reaching implications for regional stability, alliances, and the balance of power.

Iran's recent attack on Israeli territory, while largely thwarted, served as a warning shot that revealed Tehran's potential ability to challenge Israel's air superiority. The attack was seen as a watershed moment, prompting defense strategists in Washington and Israel to revise their calculations about Iran's risk tolerance and capabilities. It also highlighted Iran's willingness to escalate in response to perceived threats.

The tensions between Iran and Israel have raised concerns about a broader regional conflict, but it is unlikely that the Gulf states will get drawn in unless there is a serious escalation. The key uncertainty now is how Israel's economy will be impacted, although the Iranian drone strike has been largely shrugged off by Israel's financial markets so far.

Despite historical tensions, Arab states like Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have taken steps to defend Israel against Iranian attacks, recognizing Israel as an important economic partner. Jordan relies on Israel for essential water and energy resources, while Egypt and the UAE have deepened economic ties with Israel, including trade, investment, and arms exports. This shift reflects a broader effort by some Arab states to prioritize economic development over political tensions.

The escalating shadow war between Israel and Iran has seen an increase in direct attacks between the two countries. On April 1st, 2024, Iranian-backed militias in Iraq attacked an Israeli corvette in Eilat using an Iranian drone, demonstrating their ability to conduct precision strikes at long range. Iran seeks to become the dominant power in the region and is arming various militias to attack its

Key Takeaways

• Arab states cooperating more due to shared concerns over Iran's regional influence.
• Intelligence sharing between Gulf states and Israel to counter Iran's attack plans.
• Iran's attack on Israel revealed its capabilities, prompting strategic revisions.
• Arab states defending Israel against Iran, prioritizing economic ties over tensions.
• Escalating shadow war between Israel and Iran, with attacks by Iran-backed militias.