Gulf States

On one hand, Pakistan’s involvement could increase pressure on Iran. On the other hand, it brings Saudi Arabia closer to a country that has expressed hostile positions toward Israel.

The IMF warned that the situation at Hormuz could be similar to the one in Bab-al-Mandeb, where shipping lanes haven’t yet recovered ever since the first Houthi attack.

Israel’s military successes so far are already generating waves across the Middle East regarding its place on the “day after.” 

Iranian strikes, targeting not only military assets but also civilian infrastructure, have underscored vulnerabilities across the Gulf.

Kuwait announced the disruption of multiple Hezbollah cells since the Islamic regime began attacking Gulf countries.

The Gulf is likely feeling that some of its concerns are being addressed and that many countries want to see the talks continue.

Even amid ongoing Iranian missile and rocket attacks against Gulf facilities, the states from the region welcomed the ceasefire, demanding an end to hostilities.

The main route linking Bahrain and Saudi Arabia was closed, while Kuwait ordered citizens nationwide to stay near protected areas from midnight till 6 a.m.

The Houthis' threat to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait may explain why Gulf states have not responded militarily to Iran’s attacks. Yemen expert Inbal Nissim-Louvton weighs in.

The attack follows US President Donald Trump's ultimatum to Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz oil chokepoint by Tuesday night.