With missiles running low in days, Trump faces calls to end Iran strikes
Donald Trump (Getty Images)
The United Arab Emirates and Qatar are trying to convince US President Donald Trump to avoid a prolonged military operation against Iran, citing critically low missile defense supplies in Qatar, according to Bloomberg.
Read also: 'We haven't even started.' Trump threatens Iran with far larger attack
Sources say the UAE and Qatar are working to quickly bolster their air defense systems. Qatar's stockpile of Patriot interceptors, they note, would last just four days at the current rate of use.
The UAE has requested assistance from its allies in medium-range air defense, while Qatar has sought help to counter drone attacks.
Background
The Gulf states are pushing for a swift diplomatic resolution to prevent regional escalation. Qatar estimates that if shipping routes in the region remain disrupted through midweek, it could trigger an even stronger market reaction in natural gas prices.
Gas prices in Europe, for example, jumped 50% after liquefied natural gas production at the world’s largest export facility was halted following attacks by Iranian drones.
Gulf countries also fear that chaos and disruption of air travel could hit their economies and deter tourists and foreign investors.
Situation in the Middle East
On Saturday, February 28, Israel and the US carried out a series of strikes against Iran. According to President Trump, the US launched the military campaign to neutralize threats from the current Iranian regime.
Media reports indicate that Trump ordered a major airstrike on Iran after prolonged lobbying from Israel and Saudi Arabia. The strikes reportedly eliminated Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Trump stated that the US operation against Iran would last no more than four weeks, adding that this timeframe was included in the original plan from the start.
