On Feb. 28, the United States and Israel launched major, ongoing strikes against Iran — including killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and many other senior officials. In response, Iran has launched strikes against U.S. military sites, Israel, and economic and civilian targets in Arab Gulf states. The scale of this war will have global consequences. As world leaders adjust to a new reality in the Middle East and what it means for their countries, we asked five experts to assess the international reaction.Read more below.Kristin Smith DiwanSenior Resident Scholar at the Arab Gulf States InstituteAs the United States and Israel pound Iran, retaliation has fallen disproportionately on neighboring Gulf states. Strategically, Iran’s attempt to internationalize the cost of the war has led it to escalate from targeting U.S. bases on Gulf territories to airports and shipping, oil facilities, and civilian sites such as hotels and housing. Logistically, Iran’s larger stock of short-range missiles and drones has enhanced both the convenience and effectiveness of targeting its near neighbors.The Gulf monarchies are thus left to bear the damage to their oil and gas production and transport, and to watch as their carefully built status as a transportation hub and reputation as a haven for work and play take an immeasurable hit.So far, they have responded by publicly condemning Iran — not the United States or Israel. Despite this, backchannel discussions with Iran via Oman and Qatar appear to be active and were instrumental in the partial re-opening of air corridors. Such understandings could be critical to enduring a long war.Roham AlvandiAssociate Professor of International History and Director of the Iranian History Initiative at the London School of Economics and Political ScienceEurope finds itself an unwilling participant on the sidelines of the U.S.–Israeli war against Iran. European leaders’ need to placate U.S. President Donald Trump,
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