In the month since the United States and Israel launched an aerial bombing campaign against Iran, thousands have been killed across at least nine countries, and the conflict is costing global economies billions of dollars a day. Experts warn that the war could escalate even further.
Iran has fired missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members, including Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman.
So far, none of these states has retaliated militarily.
“Saudi Arabia has been very patient,” said retired Lieutenant General Muhammad Saeed, formerly the second-highest officer in the Pakistan Army.
“If the Saudis retaliate militarily, it won’t be the Saudis alone. That would then put the entire region into flames.”
