Gulf States Face Sanctions Dilemma as US Pressures Iran

The US has shifted its strategy toward Iran from military strikes to economic pressure, announcing "Operation Economic Outcast" on Monday to target Tehran's remaining revenue sources. Gulf states now face a dilemma between supporting sanctions or risking Iranian retaliation. The new sanctions target Iran's digital assets, technology, gold, aviation, and shipping sectors, threatening secondary sanctions on trading partners. Iran has warned it could block oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, which handles one-fifth of global oil and gas production. The UAE has already cut economic ties with Iran, while Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman maintain diplomatic channels with Tehran. Analysts warn Iran may escalate militarily if sanctions bite, and prolonged disruption to Gulf energy exports would severely impact regional economies.