ISLAMABAD: A prominent Saudi Arabian editor has suggested that not all recent attacks on Gulf states originate from Iran, raising concerns that some incidents may stem from other actors seeking to entangle Arab nations in a broader conflict.
Adhwan al-Ahmari, editor-in-chief of Independent Arabia and president of the Saudi Journalists Association, made the remarks during a televised interview on Asharq News on March 3, 2026. He highlighted growing suspicions among regional observers that certain strikes could be part of a calculated effort to draw Gulf countries deeper into confrontation.
Ahmari pointed to unverified reports and public discourse questioning the source of some drone and missile incidents targeting energy infrastructure and civilian sites in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and other Gulf Cooperation Council members. He noted that while Iran has claimed responsibility for several retaliatory actions following US and Israeli strikes on its territory, doubts persist regarding specific events.
The editor emphasized a prevailing theory that the ongoing war serves as an “American-Israeli trap” designed to implicate Gulf states in direct hostilities with Iran. Once objectives related to weakening Tehran are achieved, he warned, external powers might withdraw support, leaving Arab nations exposed to prolonged risks.
This perspective emerges against the backdrop of rapid escalation since late February 2026, when joint US-Israeli military operations targeted Iranian leadership and facilities, reportedly eliminating Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and key officials in initial strikes. Iran responded with missile and drone barrages aimed at US bases and infrastructure across the Gulf, affecting Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura refinery, UAE ports, Qatari sites, Bahraini buildings, and Kuwaiti locations.
Gulf governments have condemned these actions as violations of sovereignty, with Saudi Arabia summoning Iran’s ambassador and issuing statements reserving the right to defend its territory. Air defenses in the region intercepted many projectiles, though some drones caused fires and limited damage to oil facilities and civilian areas.
Amid these developments, claims have surfaced regarding Israeli involvement in select incidents. American commentator Tucker Carlson asserted on March 2, 2026, that authorities in Saudi Arabia and Qatar arrested Mossad agents allegedly planning bombings to create instability. Carlson suggested such operations aimed to harm both Iran and Gulf states, questioning why Israel would target allies of the US if alignments were straightforward.
Qatar’s foreign ministry denied knowledge of such arrests, describing the claims as unsubstantiated. No official confirmation from Saudi authorities has emerged on the matter, though regional media amplified the allegations amid heightened paranoia over false-flag operations.
Iranian officials have similarly accused Israel of orchestrating certain drone strikes on Gulf energy sites, including one on Saudi Aramco’s Ras Tanura complex, to provoke Arab anger and expand the conflict. These assertions remain unproven, with independent verification challenging due to the fog of war and restricted access.
Analysts observe a shift in Gulf discourse, where initial unified condemnations of Iran now include cautious voices questioning narratives pushed by external actors. Ahmari’s comments reflect broader Arab realization that alignment with US-Israeli objectives carries long-term liabilities, particularly if Washington declares mission accomplished and reduces engagement.
The Gulf states face complex calculations. Hosting US military facilities has made them targets in Iran’s retaliation, while restraint from direct involvement preserves diplomatic flexibility. Solidarity among GCC members has strengthened, evident in coordinated airspace closures and joint statements, yet public sentiment increasingly favors de-escalation over open war.
Economic implications compound the strategic dilemma. Disruptions to oil infrastructure and shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz threaten global energy markets, with prices surging amid fears of prolonged instability. Gulf economies, reliant on stable hydrocarbon exports and tourism, risk reputational damage from attacks on iconic sites.
Observers note that while Iran has expanded its responses to include civilian-adjacent targets, air defense effectiveness has mitigated catastrophic outcomes. However, persistent low-level threats from drones highlight vulnerabilities that false-flag theories exploit in public debate.
Ahmari’s intervention underscores a growing skepticism in Saudi media circles toward simplistic attributions of blame. By suggesting not all attacks come from Iran, he contributes to a narrative urging caution and independent assessment, potentially influencing policy discussions in Riyadh and other capitals.
As the conflict evolves, regional experts warn that miscalculations could transform proxy dynamics into direct confrontations. Gulf leaders appear poised to balance defense of sovereignty with avoidance of entrapment in a war whose endgame remains uncertain.
The episode illustrates shifting perceptions in the Arab world, where traditional alliances face scrutiny amid unprecedented military developments. Whether these voices gain traction could shape the trajectory of de-escalation efforts or further polarization in an already volatile region.