The question sounds simple, but it goes beyond “military retaliation”. Why would Iran hit Gulf countries while saying its real enemies are the United States and Israel? And does this tactic actually help Iran, or does it weaken Iran politically and leave it isolated in the region?

The most realistic answer is that Iran does not see the Gulf as neutral ground. Tehran sees Gulf states as part of a military and economic environment used against Iran. It is through US bases, logistical support, intelligence roles, and, most importantly, the energy system and global markets. But this choice is risky. Once Iran expands its target list to include neighbors, it automatically expands the list of enemies against it.

Iran is not striking the Gulf “out of hatred” – It sees it as a US pressure zone

In Tehran’s view, US power in the region is not only aircraft carriers. It is also a network of bases, facilities, and security cooperation spread across Gulf countries. So, when Iran says it is hitting “American interests”, it often means radar systems, command-and-control centers, logistical sites, or operating points that help Washington run the confrontation.

This is Iran’s core argument: “We are not targeting peoples, we are targeting the structure that allows the US to wage war around us”. But this argument is hard to sustain in practice. It collapses quickly if strikes hit civilian facilities, residential areas, or sensitive economic infrastructure.

This is Iran’s core argument: “We are not targeting peoples, we are targeting the structure that allows the US to wage war around us”. But this argument is hard........

© Middle East Monitor