Iran threatened harsh retaliation in the wake of the American-Israeli attacks that killed the country’s supreme leader and many of its senior commanders. Its response consisted of a barrage of missiles aimed at Israel. So far, so predictable. Yet, at the same time, Tehran chose to direct its firepower at neighbouring Gulf states, countries that have been encouraging diplomacy and warning against war. Iran’s actions are an object lesson in how to alienate your friends and neighbours.

So far, they have continued to employ the rhetoric of de-escalation. But that’s untenable if Iran continues to target their territory

So far, they have continued to employ the rhetoric of de-escalation. But that’s untenable if Iran continues to target their territory

The Iranians targeted Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Jordan. Explosions rocked the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh. The country’s largest refinery was forced to close after being targeted. An Amazon data centre in the UAE was hit. The Iranians targeted luxury........

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