Gulf Countries Warn US Against Striking Iran: WSJ

The Arab monarchies of Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar are cautioning the United States against launching an attack on Iran, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.

According to the publication, the United States warned representatives of these countries about potential American attacks on the Islamic Republic. Following this, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar unofficially alerted the United States about the serious negative consequences of such a move. In particular, attempts to overthrow the Iranian government would lead to chaos in global markets, which would adversely affect the American economy.

On January 13, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that allies and American citizens in Iran should leave the country immediately.

Protests erupted in Iran at the end of December amid the devaluation of the local currency, accompanied by heightened security measures. Law enforcement has used tear gas and pellet guns against the protesters. The demonstrations have spread to more than 60 cities across 25 provinces of the country. The largest protests are taking place in Tehran, while the most intense clashes have been recorded in the west and southwest (in the cities of Malekshahi, Kermanshah, and Lordegan).